Practice Test Geeks(ASC) Advanced Stroke Coordinator Certification Practice Test
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Post-Stroke Complications Management Flashcards

7 cards from real ASC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Post-Stroke Complications Management flashcards as text

  1. A stroke patient develops a fever of 38.6°C on day 2 post-stroke. What is the MOST appropriate immediate intervention?

    Answer: Administer acetaminophen and investigate the source

    Post-stroke fever worsens neurological outcomes; acetaminophen should be given promptly while identifying the cause (aspiration pneumonia, UTI, DVT).

  2. Which post-stroke complication is MOST closely associated with high lesion burden in the insular cortex?

    Answer: Cardiac arrhythmias

    Insular cortex injury disrupts autonomic cardiac regulation, predisposing to arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation and QT prolongation.

  3. A patient 3 weeks post-ischemic stroke presents with increasing leg swelling and dyspnea. Which diagnostic test should be ordered FIRST?

    Answer: Lower extremity duplex ultrasound

    Lower extremity DVT is common post-stroke due to immobility; duplex ultrasound is the gold-standard first-line test for DVT diagnosis.

  4. Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) most commonly follows infarction of which brain structure?

    Answer: Thalamus

    Thalamic infarction is the most frequent cause of CPSP, producing contralateral burning, aching, or allodynia.

  5. Which pharmacological agent is FIRST-LINE for treating post-stroke spasticity that interferes with function?

    Answer: Baclofen

    Baclofen acts on GABA-B receptors in the spinal cord and is the preferred first-line oral agent for post-stroke spasticity.

  6. A patient with a large left MCA infarct becomes agitated and confused on day 4. CT head shows no new hemorrhage. What is the MOST likely cause?

    Answer: Post-stroke delirium

    Post-stroke delirium peaks around day 3–5 and is driven by brain injury, sleep disruption, medications, and infection; negative CT supports this diagnosis.

  7. Which prophylactic measure has the STRONGEST evidence for preventing post-stroke aspiration pneumonia?

    Answer: Bedside swallowing screen before any oral intake

    Validated dysphagia screening before oral intake significantly reduces aspiration pneumonia rates and is a Joint Commission stroke certification requirement.