Question

Thrombolytic enzyme agents are used for clients with a thrombotic stroke to dissolve emboli, this re-establishing cerebral perfusion. They do not increase vascular permeability, cause vasoconstriction, or prevent further hemorrhage.

a) Alteplase (tPA), Reteplase, Streptokinase
b) Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Warfarin
c) Heparin, Enoxaparin, Fondaparinux
d) Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban

Answer 1

Thrombolytic agents like Alteplase (tPA) are crucial first interventions for thrombotic stroke as they dissolve the clot and restore cerebral blood flow, significantly improving patient outcomes if administered within a 3-hour window.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thrombolytic Therapy for Thrombotic Stroke

Administration of a thrombolytic agent is a first intervention for someone who has suffered a thrombotic stroke because these agents, such as Alteplase (tPA), Reteplase, and Streptokinase, are capable of rapidly dissolving blood clots. This re-establishes cerebral perfusion to the affected area, improving the patient's prognosis. The goal of thrombolytic therapy is to restore normal blood flow and minimize neurological damage by breaking down the blood clot that is occluding a cerebral artery.

It's crucial to administer thrombolytic medication within a narrow time window, typically within 3 hours of stroke onset, to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. Thrombolytic drugs work by converting plasminogen to plasmin, which then degrades the fibrin matrix of the clot, leading to clot dissolution. This is an essential treatment for thrombotic strokes and must be differentiated from hemorrhagic strokes, where such therapy would be contraindicated.