Question

Many stroke patients are candidates for thrombolytic drugs. One of the most important things that an EMT can do to optimize the care of a stroke patient who is a candidate for the drugs is:

A. transport the patient to a Level I Trauma Center.
B. transport to the closest hospital since the patient must go to the operating room as soon as possible.
C. determine the exact time of onset of symptoms.
D. do a thorough physical exam of the patient.

Answer 1

To optimize care for stroke patients, determining the exact time of onset of symptoms is critical for the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy, as it must be administered within a narrow time frame after the onset of an ischemic stroke.

Step-by-step explanation:

One of the most important things that an EMT can do to optimize the care of a stroke patient who is a candidate for thrombolytic drugs is C. Determine the exact time of onset of symptoms. This is crucial because thrombolytic agents, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), are most effective when administered within a 3 to 4-hour window after the onset of a thrombotic stroke.

Quick determination of the stroke onset time can significantly improve the patient's prognosis by facilitating the timely administration of thrombolytic therapy, which aids in dissolving the clot responsible for the ischemic stroke and restoring blood flow to the affected area of the brain. However, it's also mandatory to establish that the stroke is not hemorrhagic, as thrombolytic therapy would be contraindicated in such cases.