SCRN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SCRN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What role does calibration play in maintaining technical accuracy for Stroke Certified Registered Nurse professionals? → It ensures instruments and methods produce accurate, consistent results over time
2. Which laboratory value is most important to check BEFORE initiating IV alteplase in an acute ischemic stroke patient? → Prothrombin time (PT) and INR
3. Why is emotional support important in post-acute stroke care? → It helps improve overall recovery and well-being
4. When a SCRN professional encounters an unexpected result during a technical procedure, the FIRST action should be to: → Stop, assess the situation, and determine whether to proceed or seek guidance
5. What is the primary goal of acute stroke care? → To stabilize the patient's condition and prevent further damage
6. A patient with ischemic stroke is receiving IV alteplase. After 30 minutes, the nurse notes a blood pressure of 195/108 mmHg. What is the priority action? → Administer labetalol or nicardipine to lower BP below 180/105 mmHg
7. Why is cognitive rehabilitation important in post-acute care? → It helps improve cognitive functions such as memory and attention
8. A patient with acute ischemic stroke has a serum sodium of 126 mEq/L on day 3. The most likely cause in the stroke population is: → Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
9. What is a key consideration in post-acute stroke care for elderly patients? → Address both stroke recovery and age-related health issues
10. What documentation is MOST critical to maintain for safety compliance in the Stroke Certified Registered Nurse field? → Incident reports, training records, and inspection logs
11. Lacunar infarcts are most commonly caused by: → Lipohyalinosis of small penetrating arteries
12. A patient with ischemic stroke secondary to atrial fibrillation is started on anticoagulation. Which drug class is preferred for long-term secondary prevention? → Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)
13. Which approach is MOST important for SCRN professionals when applying technical procedures? → Adhering to established protocols while adapting to specific conditions
14. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) principle applies to ALL SCRN certified professionals regardless of their specific role? → PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and replaced as needed
15. What medication is commonly used for acute stroke patients to prevent complications? → Antiplatelet drugs
16. In Stroke Certified Registered Nurse, what is the PRIMARY purpose of conducting regular safety drills and exercises? → To ensure personnel can respond effectively in emergencies
17. What is the PRIMARY reason for regulatory compliance in the Stroke Certified Registered Nurse profession? → To protect public safety, ensure quality standards, and maintain professional integrity
18. What is the PRIMARY reason for regulatory compliance in the Stroke Certified Registered Nurse profession? → To protect public safety, ensure quality standards, and maintain professional integrity
19. Which factor MOST significantly affects the quality of technical outcomes in SCRN practice? → The practitioner's training, preparation, and attention to detail
20. How frequently should ongoing assessments be conducted in Stroke Certified Registered Nurse practice? → At regular intervals based on established protocols and as conditions change
21. What is the importance of early rehabilitation after acute stroke care? → To start the process of recovery as soon as possible
22. When conducting a risk assessment for SCRN operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
23. A stroke patient is being discharged on apixaban for newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. The SCRN's education should emphasize which critical point? → Never miss a dose, avoid NSAIDs, and report unusual bleeding immediately
24. A patient develops seizures 12 hours after an ischemic stroke. Which nursing intervention takes priority? → Administer an antiepileptic drug as ordered and protect the airway
25. Which assessment method provides the MOST reliable data for SCRN professionals making critical decisions? → Standardized tools combined with professional observation
26. When performing dysphagia screening in an acute stroke patient, what is the safest initial step? → Keep the patient NPO and use a validated bedside screening tool before any oral intake
27. Which intervention is CONTRAINDICATED in a patient receiving IV alteplase for acute ischemic stroke? → Placing a nasogastric tube within the first 24 hours
28. A patient post-stroke develops a fever of 38.5°C on day 2. Why is aggressive fever management critical in acute stroke care? → Hyperthermia expands the ischemic penumbra and worsens neurological outcomes
29. In Stroke Certified Registered Nurse, what is the PRIMARY purpose of conducting an initial assessment? → To establish a baseline and identify needs for appropriate action
30. In Stroke Certified Registered Nurse practice, what is the FIRST step when a safety hazard is identified in the workplace? → Immediately secure the area and report the hazard