Question

A 58-year-old with acute ischemic stroke presents 90 minutes after onset. BP is 210/112 mm Hg. CT head shows no hemorrhage. What is the next step to enable alteplase?

Accepted Answer

Lower BP to <185/110 mm Hg (e.g., labetalol) then give alteplase

Answer

Proceed with alteplase immediately at current BP

Answer

Administer nicardipine to reduce DBP to <120 mm Hg before alteplase

Answer

Give aspirin now and defer thrombolysis

Answer

Delay treatment until BP <160/90 mm Hg

Practice question

A 58-year-old with acute ischemic stroke presents 90 minutes after onset. BP is 210/112 mm Hg. CT head shows no hemorrhage. What is the next step to enable alteplase?