Signs and Symptoms
The acronym BEFAST which helps people remember the signs of stroke stands for
What is balance, eyes, face, arm, speech, time?
1.9 million neurons is the number of neurons lost during this amount of time during a stroke
What is one minute?
24 hours is the treatment window for this intervention
What is endovascular thrombectomy?
Name 3 modifiable risk factors for stroke
What are tobacco use, DM, alcohol overuse, HTN, HLD, medication compliance with anticoagulants?
This is the critical first action a nurse should take when a patient shows sudden neurological changes suggestive of a stroke.
What is call a code stroke?
This is the exact date and time when the patient was last seen at their normal baseline, and it's critical for determining eligibility for thrombolytic therapy
What is "Last known well"?
If patient eligible for TNK infusion, blood pressure should be consistently less than...
What is 185/110?
Name 2 non modifiable risk factors for stroke
What are Age, Race, Gender, Increasing Age, Previous stroke
This term describes the brief, reversible episodes of neurologic dysfunction caused by ischemia without infarction.
What is TIA?
Door to puncture time in a Code Neuro should be less than...
What is 90 minutes?
A history of taking these medications within the past 48 hours may exclude a stroke patient from receiving TNK, depending on labs.
What are anticoagulants?
Before administration of Tenecteplase (TNKase), these 3 things MUST be completed and documented in the medical record.
NIHSS score, CT Head (no hemorrhage), Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria Checklist.
Etiology work up to prevent future strokes may include diagnostic tests. Name one...
What are vascular imaging, Echo, MRI brain, angiogram, genetic testing?
This neurological deficit, characterized by slurred or garbled speech, is a common presenting symptom of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
What is dysarthria?
Less than 3 hours is the minimum treatment window for this type of treatment. More recent studies have shown benefit within 4.5 hrs.
What is acute thrombolysis with TNK?
Well validated stroke severity score used to assess for stroke, guide treatment, and determine prognosis. It is a requirement for stroke center certification.
What is the NIH stroke scale?
Name two main strategies for acute treatment of stroke.
What are acute thrombolysis with TNK, endovascular thrombectomy, and blood pressure management?
This arrhythmia increases the risk of ischemic stroke by 4–5 times and is a major indication for anticoagulation therapy. Is it modifiable or nonmodifiable?
Atrial fibrillation, modifiable
Sudden onset of THIS symptom is associated with high suspicion of hemorrhage
What are sudden, severe headaches (worse HA of their life) especially with nausea/vomiting and/or obtundation?
A stroke can age the brain up to 36 years. True or false.
True.
Neuro checks and vital signs must be performed pre and post neuro intervention and post TNK administration at what frequency?
Q15m x 8 (2H), Q30m x 12 (6H), Q60m x 16 (16H) = 24H
Two main medication options for antithrombotic therapy for secondary prevention of CVA are...
What are ASA, Plavix