Question

Use of thrombolytics (e.g., recombinant tissue plasminogen activator [rt-PA]) is considered appropriate for ischemic stroke if the total score is more than _____-_____ and there is _____, _____ deficit.

Answer 1

In ischemic stroke, thrombolytic agents like rt-PA are considered appropriate if the total score is above a certain threshold and there is a associated deficit. The threshold score is typically more than 3 to 4 on the NIHSS, and the deficit should be related to focal neurologic symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Administration of a thrombolytic agent such as recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is considered appropriate for ischemic stroke if the total score is more than a certain threshold and there is a corresponding deficit. The specific threshold score varies depending on the assessment tool used, but commonly, a score of more than 3 to 4 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is considered appropriate for thrombolytic treatment. Additionally, the deficit should be related to focal neurologic symptoms, such as sudden weakness or aphasia.