Stroke Recognition and Response Flashcards

Which of the following is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke?

Answer: High blood pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is the leading modifiable risk factor for stroke.

An irregular heart rhythm that increases stroke risk by allowing clots to form is called what?

Answer: Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation can cause blood clots that travel to the brain and trigger an ischemic stroke.

While waiting for EMS, why should you keep a suspected stroke patient calm and still?

Answer: To avoid raising stress and prevent injury from movement

Keeping the patient calm and still reduces strain and prevents falls or worsening symptoms.

Why should you transport a stroke patient via ambulance rather than a private car when possible?

Answer: EMS can begin care en route and pre-alert the hospital

Paramedics can monitor and treat the patient and notify the stroke center so it is ready on arrival.

A patient's stroke symptoms suddenly disappear after a few minutes while you wait for the ambulance. What should you do?

Answer: Keep the ambulance coming and report the change

Symptoms that resolve may be a TIA, so the patient still needs urgent evaluation and the ambulance should continue.

Which lifestyle change most directly lowers a person's long-term stroke risk?

Answer: Quitting smoking

Quitting smoking significantly reduces stroke risk by improving blood vessel health and lowering clot formation.

Diabetes increases stroke risk primarily because it can do what to blood vessels over time?

Answer: Damage and narrow them, promoting clots

Chronically high blood sugar damages and narrows blood vessels, raising the risk of clots and stroke.