Before administering TPA for suspected ischemic stroke, which condition must be confirmed?

Prepare for the Galen Medical Surgical Exam 2. Utilize engaging quizzes with hints and explanations designed to enhance your learning experience and improve your exam readiness!

Multiple Choice

Before administering TPA for suspected ischemic stroke, which condition must be confirmed?

Explanation:
TPA dissolves clots, so it’s used to treat ischemic stroke, not bleeding. Administering it when a hemorrhage is present would cause the bleeding to worsen and could be fatal. Therefore, before giving TPA, you must confirm that the stroke is ischemic and, crucially, rule out hemorrhage with urgent imaging. If hemorrhage is found, TPA should not be given. Infection or dehydration don’t determine the use of TPA in this scenario.

TPA dissolves clots, so it’s used to treat ischemic stroke, not bleeding. Administering it when a hemorrhage is present would cause the bleeding to worsen and could be fatal. Therefore, before giving TPA, you must confirm that the stroke is ischemic and, crucially, rule out hemorrhage with urgent imaging. If hemorrhage is found, TPA should not be given. Infection or dehydration don’t determine the use of TPA in this scenario.

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