A 47-year-old woman arrives with sudden severe headache that peaked within seconds. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 168/92 mm Hg, HR 94/min. She vomited

Question

A 47-year-old woman arrives with sudden severe headache that peaked within seconds. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 168/92 mm Hg, HR 94/min. She vomited twice and has neck stiffness but no focal deficit. Symptoms began while lifting weights. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Obtain immediate noncontrast CT head while treating pain and blood pressure carefully

Answer

Start oral antibiotics

Answer

Administer thrombolysis

Answer

Give triptan therapy and discharge

Answer

Perform outpatient MRI next month

Subarachnoid hemorrhage — ABEM Board MCQ

A 47-year-old woman arrives with sudden severe headache that peaked within seconds. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 168/92 mm Hg, HR 94/min. She vomited twice and has neck stiffness but no focal deficit. Symptoms began while lifting weights. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action?