Question

A 62-year-old Cree woman living in a remote northern community develops sudden right-sided weakness and dysarthria. The nursing station nurse contacts you via telemedicine within 45 minutes of symptom onset. CT imaging is not immediately available on site. According to Canadian stroke systems of care and CanMEDS roles, what is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent transfer to the nearest hospital with CT and stroke expertise and provide pre-transfer supportive care

Answer

Advise observation locally and reassessment in 24 hours

Answer

Start intravenous alteplase at the nursing station without imaging

Answer

Provide only telephone reassurance because transfer will be expensive

Answer

Delay transfer until a visiting CT scanner arrives in a week

Practice question