ASC Post-Stroke Complications Management 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Administer acetaminophen and investigate the source

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Cardiac arrhythmias

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Lower extremity duplex ultrasound

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Thalamus

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Baclofen

Answer

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

(ASC) Advanced Stroke Coordinator Certification Practice Test