A 62-year-old with acute left hemiparesis began symptoms 90 minutes ago. BP is 196/112 mm Hg, glucose 118 mg/dL, CT head shows no hemorrhage, and he t...

Question

A 62-year-old with acute left hemiparesis began symptoms 90 minutes ago. BP is 196/112 mm Hg, glucose 118 mg/dL, CT head shows no hemorrhage, and he takes no anticoagulants. What is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Lower BP to

Answer

Give aspirin 325 mg now and admit to stroke unit

Answer

Start unfractionated heparin infusion

Answer

Wait for blood pressure to normalize spontaneously before treatment

Answer

Administer alteplase immediately without addressing blood pressure

us-usmle-step-2 MCQ (SBA): Acute Ischemic Stroke

A 62-year-old with acute left hemiparesis began symptoms 90 minutes ago. BP is 196/112 mm Hg, glucose 118 mg/dL, CT head shows no hemorrhage, and he takes no anticoagulants. What is the next best step?