A 50-year-old male patient presents to the emergency department with acute onset of slurred speech, right arm weakness, and facial droop that started two hours ago. He has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Brain imaging has not shown any hemorrhage. What is the BEST initial treatment option for this patient given these clinical findings?
Immediate administration of an antiplatelet agent (e.g., aspirin).
Rapid lowering of blood pressure with intravenous antihypertensive agents.
Intravenous thrombolytic therapy (e.g., tPA) if within the therapeutic window.
Immediate anticoagulation with intravenous heparin.
In the management of ischemic stroke, intravenous thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the treatment of choice, provided the patient presents within a defined window from symptom onset and has no contraindications such as recent surgery, bleeding, or anticoagulation. Other options might have some role in stroke management but are not the priority treatment in the hyperacute phase as presented in the scenario. Antihypertensive therapy is typically considered when blood pressure is extremely high and might compromise the safety of thrombolytic therapy or when there is no intention to administer thrombolytics. Antiplatelet therapy is generally initiated after the acute phase of an ischemic stroke. Immediate anticoagulation is not recommended initially in the acute management without ruling out stroke etiology, as it could be harmful in the case of hemorrhagic stroke.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What are the contraindications for administering tPA?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What is the therapeutic window for administering tPA in ischemic stroke?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is aspirin not used immediately during the acute phase of an ischemic stroke?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CEN
Neurological Emergencies
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access