Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

After a positive prehospital stroke assessment, what is the next intervention upon arriving at the emergency department?

1. Perform a vital signs check

2. Head CT scan

3. Administer anticoagulation therapy

4. Provide nothing by mouth

The correct answer is: Head CT scan

The correct action following a positive prehospital stroke assessment upon arriving at the emergency department is to perform a Head CT scan. This imaging is critical because it helps to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, guiding immediate treatment decisions. A CT scan is typically the first step in stroke management, as it provides healthcare providers with essential information about the type of stroke and can identify any underlying intracranial hemorrhage, which would require different treatment approaches than an ischemic stroke. In the context of stroke care, a vital signs check is important, but it is not the most immediate intervention after confirming a stroke assessment. While monitoring vital signs can provide useful information regarding the patient’s stability, it does not influence the immediate treatment plan as directly as identifying the type of stroke through imaging. Administering anticoagulation therapy may be necessary for certain conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, but it is not the first step in the acute evaluation of a suspected stroke without knowing the stroke type and ensuring that it is an appropriate treatment option. Providing nothing by mouth is often a precautionary measure to prevent aspiration, especially if the patient might need surgical intervention or has swallowing difficulties. However, this does not replace the need for critical diagnostic imaging to inform further management