ASC Acute Stroke Care & Treatment

Question 1

What is the primary goal during the acute phase of stroke treatment?

Accepted Answer

Restore perfusion and prevent further damage.

Answer

During the acute phase of stroke treatment, the primary goal is to rapidly restore blood flow (perfusion) to the brain tissue affected by the stroke and prevent further neurological damage. For ischemic strokes, this often involves administering clot-busting medications like tPA or performing mechanical thrombectomy. Timely intervention is critical to salvage brain tissue and improve patient outcomes.

Question 2

Which drug is most commonly used in ischemic stroke within a specific time window?

Accepted Answer

tPA (alteplase).

Answer

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), specifically alteplase, is the most commonly used thrombolytic drug for acute ischemic stroke. When administered intravenously within a specific time window (typically 3 to 4.5 hours from symptom onset), tPA works by dissolving the blood clot that is blocking blood flow to the brain. This rapid restoration of blood flow can significantly reduce stroke-related disability.

Question 3

What diagnostic imaging is used first in acute stroke evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Non-contrast CT scan.

Answer

A non-contrast CT scan of the brain is the first and most critical diagnostic imaging performed in acute stroke evaluation. Its primary purpose is to quickly differentiate between an ischemic stroke (caused by a clot) and a hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding). This distinction is crucial because treatment strategies, particularly the use of thrombolytics like tPA, differ drastically and can be harmful if administered in the wrong type of stroke.

Question 4

Which symptom is most commonly associated with acute stroke?

Accepted Answer

Sudden unilateral weakness or numbness.

Answer

Sudden unilateral weakness or numbness, affecting one side of the body (face, arm, or leg), is a classic and highly indicative symptom of acute stroke. This occurs due to damage to the brain region controlling motor or sensory functions on the opposite side of the body. Recognizing this sudden onset is crucial for prompt medical attention, as time is critical in stroke treatment.

Question 5

Why is early stroke recognition critical?

Accepted Answer

To enable timely treatment and reduce brain damage.

Answer

Early stroke recognition is absolutely critical because "time is brain." The sooner a stroke is identified, the sooner medical professionals can initiate appropriate treatments, such as tPA for ischemic strokes or interventions for hemorrhagic strokes. Timely intervention helps restore blood flow, limit the extent of brain damage, and significantly improve the chances of a better recovery and reduced long-term disability.

(ASC) Advanced Stroke Coordinator Certification Practice Test

(ASC) Advanced Stroke Coordinator Certification Practice Test

ASC Acute Stroke Care & Treatment