Question

Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is to be administered to a client in the emergency department. Which is the priority nursing assessment?

Answer 1

t-PA is usually administered in the emergency department to clients who are brought in due to a Cerebrovascular accident (Stroke). In this case, the priority nursing assessment is to find out the time of onset of the stroke, because studies have shown that t-PA administration within 3 hours after the onset usually have better outcomes.

It is also important to note that scheduled surgical procedures may have to be postponed due to the administration of t-PA.