Question

A 58-year-old man presents with acute onset left-sided weakness and slurred speech that started 2 hours ago. CT brain shows no haemorrhage. Blood pressure is 170/98 mmHg, glucose 6.5 mmol/L. According to Australian stroke guidelines, which is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent thrombolysis with intravenous alteplase after exclusion of contraindications

Answer

Start aspirin 300 mg and observe

Answer

Start therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin

Answer

Lower blood pressure to 120/70 mmHg with IV antihypertensives before any other treatment

Answer

Delay all treatment until MRI is available

Practice question

A 58-year-old man presents with acute onset left-sided weakness and slurred speech that started 2 hours ago. CT brain shows no haemorrhage. Blood pressure is 170/98 mmHg, glucose 6.5 mmol/L. According to Australian stroke guidelines, which is the most appropriate next step?