Question

A 63-year-old woman presents with sudden unilateral weakness and slurred speech that started 90 minutes ago. On examination she has right-sided facial weakness and arm weakness with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 7. Her capillary glucose is normal and blood pressure is 160/95 mmHg. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent CT head imaging within 1 hour

Answer

Start Aspirin 300 mg immediately in the emergency department

Answer

Start IV Alteplase without imaging as time is critical

Answer

Discharge with Aspirin and arrange urgent outpatient MRI

Answer

Start Clopidogrel 300 mg loading dose in the emergency department

Practice question