Stroke Level 4 Exam 2026/2027 –
Comprehensive Study Guide & Exam Prep
Stroke - correct answer--occurs when there is ischemia to part of the brain or
hemorrhage into the brain that results in death of brain cells
-functions controlled by that portion of the brain are impaired or lost
-also called brain attack and cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
-can occur at any age
Common long term disabilities of stroke - correct answer--hemiparesis
-inability to walk
-complete or partial dependance for ADLs
-aphasia
-depression
Cerebral blood flow regulation - correct answer--blood flow must be maintained
at 750 to 1000 mL/min or 20% of cardiac output for optimal brain functioning
-if blood flow is totally interrupted neuro metabolism is altered in 30 secs
-metabolism stops in 2 mins
-cellular death occurs in 5 mins
-cerebral auto regulation: changes in the diameter of cerebral blood vessels in
response to changes in pressure so that blood flow to the brain stays constant
, -when ischemia occurs, impairs auto regulation
-CO2 = potent vasodilator
-increased CO2 levels increase cerebral blood flow
-decreased CO2 levels decrease cerebral blood flow
-arterial O2 less than 50 mm Hg increases cerebral blood flow
-increased H+ concentration increases cerebral blood flow
-factors affecting blood flow to the brain: systemic BP, cardiac output, and blood
viscosity
-if cardiac output is reduced by 1/3rd cerebral outflow will be reduced
-decreased viscosity increases flow
-collateral circulation: develops to compensate for a decrease in cerebral blood
flow, the vessels in the brain make an alternate route
-if one vessel is blocked, blood will flow from the intact artery to the damaged
one preventing CVA
-increased ICP causes compression and reduced cerebral blood flow
Risk factors for CVA - correct answer-NONMODIFIABLE
-male gender
-advanced age (>65)
-African Americans
-family hx of stroke
-sickle cell disease
-migraine headaches
MODIFIABLE
-HTN***
Comprehensive Study Guide & Exam Prep
Stroke - correct answer--occurs when there is ischemia to part of the brain or
hemorrhage into the brain that results in death of brain cells
-functions controlled by that portion of the brain are impaired or lost
-also called brain attack and cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
-can occur at any age
Common long term disabilities of stroke - correct answer--hemiparesis
-inability to walk
-complete or partial dependance for ADLs
-aphasia
-depression
Cerebral blood flow regulation - correct answer--blood flow must be maintained
at 750 to 1000 mL/min or 20% of cardiac output for optimal brain functioning
-if blood flow is totally interrupted neuro metabolism is altered in 30 secs
-metabolism stops in 2 mins
-cellular death occurs in 5 mins
-cerebral auto regulation: changes in the diameter of cerebral blood vessels in
response to changes in pressure so that blood flow to the brain stays constant
, -when ischemia occurs, impairs auto regulation
-CO2 = potent vasodilator
-increased CO2 levels increase cerebral blood flow
-decreased CO2 levels decrease cerebral blood flow
-arterial O2 less than 50 mm Hg increases cerebral blood flow
-increased H+ concentration increases cerebral blood flow
-factors affecting blood flow to the brain: systemic BP, cardiac output, and blood
viscosity
-if cardiac output is reduced by 1/3rd cerebral outflow will be reduced
-decreased viscosity increases flow
-collateral circulation: develops to compensate for a decrease in cerebral blood
flow, the vessels in the brain make an alternate route
-if one vessel is blocked, blood will flow from the intact artery to the damaged
one preventing CVA
-increased ICP causes compression and reduced cerebral blood flow
Risk factors for CVA - correct answer-NONMODIFIABLE
-male gender
-advanced age (>65)
-African Americans
-family hx of stroke
-sickle cell disease
-migraine headaches
MODIFIABLE
-HTN***
