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. In hyperacute stroke care, what does a NIHSS score of 0 indicate? → No stroke deficits detected
6. What is the primary goal of acute stroke care? → To stabilize the patient's condition and prevent further damage
7. A patient arrives with acute ischemic stroke symptoms. Which blood pressure target is recommended BEFORE IV tPA administration if BP is elevated? → Below 185/110 mmHg
8. 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
9. A patient with hemorrhagic stroke has been taking apixaban. Which reversal agent should the nurse anticipate administering? → Andexanet alfa
10. A patient with ischemic stroke develops elevated glucose of 210 mg/dL. What is the recommended glucose management approach? → Treat hyperglycemia with insulin to maintain glucose 140–180 mg/dL
11. Why is cognitive rehabilitation important in post-acute care? → It helps improve cognitive functions such as memory and attention
12. 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)
13. What is the maximum recommended door-to-needle time for IV tPA in acute ischemic stroke per AHA/ASA guidelines? → 60 minutes
14. What is a key consideration in post-acute stroke care for elderly patients? → Address both stroke recovery and age-related health issues
15. What documentation is MOST critical to maintain for safety compliance in the Stroke Certified Registered Nurse field? → Incident reports, training records, and inspection logs
16. Lacunar infarcts are most commonly caused by: → Lipohyalinosis of small penetrating arteries
17. 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)
18. Which approach is MOST important for SCRN professionals when applying technical procedures? → Adhering to established protocols while adapting to specific conditions
19. Which sign on non-contrast CT is associated with a proximal MCA occlusion in hyperacute ischemic stroke? → Hyperdense MCA sign
20. 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
21. What medication is commonly used for acute stroke patients to prevent complications? → Antiplatelet drugs
22. Post-stroke depression affects approximately what percentage of stroke survivors? → 30–40%
23. 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
24. In a stroke patient, which finding on diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) indicates irreversible infarction? → Hyperintense signal with corresponding ADC restriction (dark on ADC map)
25. Which of the following is a relative contraindication to IV tPA in acute ischemic stroke? → Major surgery within the past 14 days
26. In a patient with suspected large vessel occlusion, which clinical finding most strongly suggests the need for emergent CT angiography? → NIHSS ≥6 with gaze deviation or dense hemiplegia
27. 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
28. 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
29. Which factor MOST significantly affects the quality of technical outcomes in SCRN practice? → The practitioner's training, preparation, and attention to detail
30. How frequently should ongoing assessments be conducted in Stroke Certified Registered Nurse practice? → At regular intervals based on established protocols and as conditions change