SCRN Hyperacute Care 3

Question 1

Which imaging modality is the gold standard for detecting acute hemorrhagic stroke in the emergency setting?

Accepted Answer

Non-contrast CT of the head

Answer

Non-contrast CT of the head rapidly identifies acute hemorrhage and is the gold standard first-line neuroimaging in emergency stroke evaluation.

Question 2

In a patient with large vessel occlusion (LVO), mechanical thrombectomy is recommended up to how many hours from last known well with favorable imaging?

Accepted Answer

24 hours

Answer

Based on DAWN and DEFUSE-3 trials, mechanical thrombectomy can be performed up to 24 hours in selected patients with favorable perfusion imaging.

Question 3

Which NIHSS item specifically assesses the patient's level of consciousness responsiveness?

Accepted Answer

Item 1a – Level of Consciousness

Answer

NIHSS Item 1a assesses level of consciousness responsiveness, scored 0 (alert) to 3 (responds only with reflex).

Question 4

A stroke patient is found to have atrial fibrillation. Which anticoagulant is NOT appropriate for acute use in the hyperacute phase?

Accepted Answer

Heparin infusion as acute bridging therapy

Answer

Full anticoagulation with heparin is generally avoided in the hyperacute phase due to increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation.

Question 5

Which finding on CT imaging is an absolute contraindication to IV tPA in acute ischemic stroke?

Accepted Answer

Intracranial hemorrhage

Answer

Any intracranial hemorrhage visible on CT is an absolute contraindication to IV tPA administration.

(SCRN) Stroke Certified Registered Nurse Practice Test

(SCRN) Stroke Certified Registered Nurse Practice Test

SCRN Hyperacute Care 3