CPR Stroke Recognition and Response 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why is it important to note the exact time a person was 'last known well' during a stroke?
- It helps insurance claims
- It determines eligibility for clot-busting treatment (Correct answer)
- It is required to call 911
- It has no medical value
Correct answer: It determines eligibility for clot-busting treatment
The 'last known well' time guides whether clot-dissolving drugs like tPA can safely be given.
Question 2: A suspected stroke victim is conscious and asks for a drink of water. What should you do?
- Give a large glass of water
- Withhold food and drink because of choking/aspiration risk (Correct answer)
- Give small ice chips only
- Offer a snack to keep energy up
Correct answer: Withhold food and drink because of choking/aspiration risk
Stroke can impair swallowing, so giving nothing by mouth prevents choking and aspiration.
Question 3: Which of these is a classic sudden warning sign of stroke beyond the FAST signs?
- Gradual mild headache over a week
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause (Correct answer)
- Mild itching
- Slow weight gain
Correct answer: Sudden severe headache with no known cause
A sudden, severe 'thunderclap' headache with no known cause can indicate a hemorrhagic stroke.
Question 4: What is the best position for a conscious stroke patient who is breathing normally while waiting for EMS?
- Flat on their back with legs raised
- Sitting or lying with head and shoulders slightly elevated (Correct answer)
- Standing and walking to stay alert
- Face down on the floor
Correct answer: Sitting or lying with head and shoulders slightly elevated
Slightly elevating the head and shoulders can help and keeps the airway more comfortable for a conscious patient.
Question 5: If a suspected stroke patient becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally, what should you do?
- Wait for symptoms to pass
- Begin CPR and ensure 911 is activated (Correct answer)
- Give them aspirin
- Shake them awake repeatedly
Correct answer: Begin CPR and ensure 911 is activated
An unresponsive person without normal breathing requires immediate CPR while EMS is on the way.
Question 6: Why should a bystander NOT give aspirin to a suspected stroke victim?
- Aspirin is too expensive
- The stroke could be hemorrhagic, and aspirin worsens bleeding (Correct answer)
- Aspirin only works for heart attacks
- It would mask all symptoms
Correct answer: The stroke could be hemorrhagic, and aspirin worsens bleeding
Because you can't tell a clot from a bleed without imaging, aspirin could dangerously increase bleeding in a hemorrhagic stroke.
Question 7: A transient ischemic attack (TIA) causes stroke-like symptoms that resolve quickly. How should a TIA be treated?
- Ignore it once symptoms fade
- As a medical emergency requiring 911 (Correct answer)
- With rest at home only
- By scheduling a routine checkup next month
Correct answer: As a medical emergency requiring 911
A TIA is a warning sign of possible future stroke and still requires immediate emergency evaluation.
CPR Stroke Recognition and Response 3
Why is it important to note the exact time a person was 'last known well' during a stroke?