STROKE Level 4, exam 4 questions
with verified answers
stroke - correct answer ✔✔ Sudden loss of function resulting from a disruption of the blood
supply to a part of the brain
types of strokes - correct answer ✔✔ ischemic (87%) and hemorrhagic (13%)
ischemic stroke - correct answer ✔✔ a stroke where the blood loss is caused by a plaque
(atherosclerosis) or thrombus (A fib) blockage
hemorrhagic stroke - correct answer ✔✔ occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or
ruptures; also known as a bleed
aneurysm - correct answer ✔✔ an excessive localized enlargement of an artery caused by a
weakening of the artery wall.
risk factors for stroke - correct answer ✔✔ Non modifiable: Family Hx, Age >55, Male gender,
Ethnicity (AA, Hispanic, Asian);
Modifiable: CAD, Obesity, Afib, Carotid stenosis, Hypercholesterolemia, Smoking, HTN, oral
contraceptives, DM, Drugs (cocaine, IV drugs)
•Risk factor modification for stroke - correct answer ✔✔ •Control of hypertension*
•Smoking cessation
•Exercise
•Healthy diet
•Diabetic control
,•Weight loss
•Statins
•Prevention and tx of periodontal disease
•Carotid endarterectomy
•Anticoagulant therapy
•In hospital: DVT prevention (early mobilization), early HTN control is not advised=↑ size of
infarct
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) - correct answer ✔✔ brief episode of loss of blood flow to the
brain, usually caused by a partial occlusion that results in temporary neurologic deficit
(impairment); often precedes a CVA
Lacunar stroke - correct answer ✔✔ a stroke resulting from occlusion of a small penetrating
artery with development of a cavity in the place of the infarcted brain tissue
Manifestations of Ischemic Stroke - correct answer ✔✔ •Symptoms depend on the location and
size of the affected area
•Numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
•Confusion or change in mental status
•Trouble speaking or understanding speech
•Difficulty in walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
•Sudden, severe headache
•Perceptual disturbances
Neurological Stroke Assessment - correct answer ✔✔ •LOC- movement, response to stimuli,
A&Ox3
•Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
•Cranial Nerves
, •Pupils/vision
•Motor (weakness, paralysis, uncoordination)
•Sensory (vertigo)
•DTRs
•Cerebellar
•NIH Stroke Scale
Cardiac Stroke assessment - correct answer ✔✔ ECG, carotid u/s to find source of thrombi or
emboli (afib)
respiratory stroke assessment - correct answer ✔✔ protecting airway (cough/gag), drawing
enough air (tital volume) or respiratory drive (resp/min)
Decorticate posturing - correct answer ✔✔ arms flexed, legs extended ominous sign of cerebral
hemispheric or brain stem injury
Decerebrate posturing - correct answer ✔✔ posturing in which the neck is extended with jaw
clenched; arms are pronated, extended, and close to the sides; legs are extended straight out;
more ominous sign of brain stem damage. Most Severe.
Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) - correct answer ✔✔ Neurologic assessment of a patient's best
verbal response, eye opening, and motor function. A score of 8 or less indicates need for
intubation, a score of 3 is considered brain dead
Diagnostic tests for stroke - correct answer ✔✔ •CT Scan (ideal: 25 minutes or less ER)
•12 lead EKG
•Carotid Ultrasound
•CT Angiography or CT perfusion
with verified answers
stroke - correct answer ✔✔ Sudden loss of function resulting from a disruption of the blood
supply to a part of the brain
types of strokes - correct answer ✔✔ ischemic (87%) and hemorrhagic (13%)
ischemic stroke - correct answer ✔✔ a stroke where the blood loss is caused by a plaque
(atherosclerosis) or thrombus (A fib) blockage
hemorrhagic stroke - correct answer ✔✔ occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or
ruptures; also known as a bleed
aneurysm - correct answer ✔✔ an excessive localized enlargement of an artery caused by a
weakening of the artery wall.
risk factors for stroke - correct answer ✔✔ Non modifiable: Family Hx, Age >55, Male gender,
Ethnicity (AA, Hispanic, Asian);
Modifiable: CAD, Obesity, Afib, Carotid stenosis, Hypercholesterolemia, Smoking, HTN, oral
contraceptives, DM, Drugs (cocaine, IV drugs)
•Risk factor modification for stroke - correct answer ✔✔ •Control of hypertension*
•Smoking cessation
•Exercise
•Healthy diet
•Diabetic control
,•Weight loss
•Statins
•Prevention and tx of periodontal disease
•Carotid endarterectomy
•Anticoagulant therapy
•In hospital: DVT prevention (early mobilization), early HTN control is not advised=↑ size of
infarct
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) - correct answer ✔✔ brief episode of loss of blood flow to the
brain, usually caused by a partial occlusion that results in temporary neurologic deficit
(impairment); often precedes a CVA
Lacunar stroke - correct answer ✔✔ a stroke resulting from occlusion of a small penetrating
artery with development of a cavity in the place of the infarcted brain tissue
Manifestations of Ischemic Stroke - correct answer ✔✔ •Symptoms depend on the location and
size of the affected area
•Numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
•Confusion or change in mental status
•Trouble speaking or understanding speech
•Difficulty in walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
•Sudden, severe headache
•Perceptual disturbances
Neurological Stroke Assessment - correct answer ✔✔ •LOC- movement, response to stimuli,
A&Ox3
•Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
•Cranial Nerves
, •Pupils/vision
•Motor (weakness, paralysis, uncoordination)
•Sensory (vertigo)
•DTRs
•Cerebellar
•NIH Stroke Scale
Cardiac Stroke assessment - correct answer ✔✔ ECG, carotid u/s to find source of thrombi or
emboli (afib)
respiratory stroke assessment - correct answer ✔✔ protecting airway (cough/gag), drawing
enough air (tital volume) or respiratory drive (resp/min)
Decorticate posturing - correct answer ✔✔ arms flexed, legs extended ominous sign of cerebral
hemispheric or brain stem injury
Decerebrate posturing - correct answer ✔✔ posturing in which the neck is extended with jaw
clenched; arms are pronated, extended, and close to the sides; legs are extended straight out;
more ominous sign of brain stem damage. Most Severe.
Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) - correct answer ✔✔ Neurologic assessment of a patient's best
verbal response, eye opening, and motor function. A score of 8 or less indicates need for
intubation, a score of 3 is considered brain dead
Diagnostic tests for stroke - correct answer ✔✔ •CT Scan (ideal: 25 minutes or less ER)
•12 lead EKG
•Carotid Ultrasound
•CT Angiography or CT perfusion
