This lesson is focused on the acute management of ischemic stroke. When patients are having a stroke, there is a narrow window of time during which therapy is likely to be effective. Stroke can occur anytime and anywhere, and knowing how to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke can be the difference between recovery and debilitation!
Learning Objectives
1) Describe the pathophysiology and risk factors for stroke
2) Differentiate between TIA and stroke
3) Differentiate between cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic stroke
4) Describe the signs and symptoms of stroke and identify a patient who is having a stroke using appropriate scales
5) Select appropriate therapy for the acute management of stroke (includes blood pressure management and thrombolytic therapy)
6) Determine which patients are candidates for alteplase after a stroke
7) Discuss the risks and benefits of the use of alteplase for acute ischemic stroke