Neurological Critical Care Flashcards
7 cards from real CCRN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Neurological Critical Care flashcards as text
A patient presents with acute ischemic stroke symptoms that began 2 hours ago. Which is the most important factor in determining eligibility for IV thrombolytics?
Answer: Time of symptom onset and absence of contraindications
Thrombolytic eligibility hinges on time since onset and ruling out bleeding contraindications.
Before administering IV alteplase (tPA) for ischemic stroke, which study must be completed to exclude hemorrhage?
Answer: Noncontrast CT of the head
A noncontrast head CT must confirm there is no hemorrhage before giving tPA.
After IV tPA administration for ischemic stroke, what is the recommended blood pressure goal to reduce hemorrhagic risk?
Answer: Below 180/105 mmHg
Post-tPA blood pressure should be kept below 180/105 mmHg to limit hemorrhagic transformation.
A patient with a left middle cerebral artery stroke is most likely to exhibit which deficit?
Answer: Right-sided hemiparesis and aphasia
A left MCA stroke typically causes right-sided weakness and aphasia since language is usually left-dominant.
Which assessment tool is standardized for quantifying neurologic deficit severity in acute stroke patients?
Answer: NIH Stroke Scale
The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) quantifies stroke severity and guides treatment decisions.
A nurse caring for a stroke patient should screen for which complication before allowing oral intake?
Answer: Dysphagia
A swallow screen detects dysphagia, preventing aspiration in stroke patients.
Which finding would be an absolute contraindication to IV thrombolytic therapy in an ischemic stroke patient?
Answer: Active internal bleeding
Active internal bleeding is an absolute contraindication because thrombolytics greatly worsen hemorrhage.