Stroke Review for EMS

Approximately what percentage of strokes are ischemic in nature, and thus eligible for fibrinolytic (clot dissolving) therapy if the patient qualifies?

• 80

• 70

• 60

• 50

The first critical decision point, at the hospital, in the suspected stroke algorithm is?

• A. Consideration of fibrinolytic therapy

• B. General Assessment and stabilization of the patient.

• C. Performance and assessment of a CT scan to differentiate between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke

• D. Review of risks and benefits of fibrinolytic therapy with patient and/or family

Which of the following would exclude the use of fibrinolytic (clot dissolving) therapy in a patient confirmed to have had an ischemic stroke?

• Elevated blood pressure (systolic >160 or diastolic >90 mmHg

• Current use of an anticoagulant

• Head trauma within the previous 3 months

• Seizure at the onset of stroke

Headaches are potentially life-threatening if they are accompanied by:

• Fever, stiff neck, seizures

• Altered mental status

• Following a head trauma

• All of the above

Hemorrhagic strokes account for _____% of all strokes

• 80

• 52

• 25

• 13

What is a stroke?

• Blocked blood vessel in the brain

• Bleeding in the brain from a blood vessel

• Loss of oxygen to part of the brain

• All of the above

What is the most significant risk factor for stroke?

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Family history of stroke

What region in the U.S. has the highest death rate from stroke?

• Northeastern region

• Southeastern region

• Alaska

• Northwestern region

Strokes rarely occur in people under 65.

• True

• False

More women die from stroke than men. True or false?

• True

• False