Free CSRS Stroke Pathophysiology & Patient Assessment Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary cause of ischemic stroke?
- Bleeding in the brain.
- A blood clot blocking a brain artery (Correct answer)
- Infection of brain tissue.
- Tumor growth in the brain.
Correct answer: A blood clot blocking a brain artery
Ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery that supplies blood to the brain. This blockage deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death. In contrast, hemorrhagic stroke involves bleeding in the brain, while infections or tumors are distinct neurological conditions.
Question 2: Which part of the brain is commonly affected by a middle cerebral artery stroke?
- Occipital lobe.
- Temporal lobe.
- Frontal and parietal lobes (Correct answer)
- Cerebellum.
Correct answer: Frontal and parietal lobes
The middle cerebral artery (MCA) is the largest cerebral artery and supplies a significant portion of the brain's lateral surface. A stroke affecting the MCA commonly impacts the frontal and parietal lobes, as well as parts of the temporal lobe. Damage to these areas can lead to a wide range of neurological deficits, including motor and sensory impairments, language difficulties (aphasia), and neglect.
Question 3: What is a key early sign of stroke during patient assessment?
- Gradual headache over days.
- Sudden weakness on one side of the body (Correct answer)
- Fever and chills.
- Chronic dizziness.
Correct answer: Sudden weakness on one side of the body
Stroke is characterized by a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to abrupt neurological deficits. Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body (hemiparesis or hemiplegia) is a classic and highly indicative early sign, often accompanied by facial drooping or speech difficulties. Recognizing this acute onset is crucial for prompt medical intervention and improved outcomes.
Question 4: Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate stroke severity?
- Glasgow Coma Scale.
- NIH Stroke Scale (Correct answer)
- Barthel Index.
- Mini-Mental State Exam.
Correct answer: NIH Stroke Scale
The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a standardized, systematic assessment tool used by healthcare professionals to quantify the severity of neurological deficits caused by a stroke. It evaluates various functions like consciousness, language, motor strength, and sensation, providing a reliable score that guides treatment decisions and monitors changes in a patient's condition over time. Its specific design makes it ideal for acute stroke assessment.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a CT scan in acute stroke assessment?
- Detect brain tumors.
- Detect ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke (Correct answer)
- Evaluate cognitive function.
- Measure blood pressure.
Correct answer: Detect ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke
In acute stroke assessment, a CT scan is the primary imaging modality used to quickly differentiate between an ischemic stroke (caused by a clot) and a hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding). This distinction is critical because the treatments are vastly different and often contraindicated for the other type. For example, clot-busting drugs for ischemic stroke are dangerous in hemorrhagic stroke.
Question 6: Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for stroke?
- Age.
- High blood pressure (Correct answer)
- Gender.
- Family history.
Correct answer: High blood pressure
Modifiable risk factors are conditions or behaviors that can be changed or controlled to reduce the risk of disease. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading modifiable risk factor for stroke, as it damages blood vessels over time, increasing the likelihood of clots or ruptures. Managing blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication significantly lowers stroke risk, unlike non-modifiable factors like age or gender.
Question 7: What does the FAST acronym stand for in stroke recognition?
- Face, Arm, Speech, Time (Correct answer)
- Feet, Alertness, Speech, Timing
- Face, Alertness, Sensation, Timing
- Feet, Arm, Speech, Time
Correct answer: Face, Arm, Speech, Time
The FAST acronym is a widely recognized public awareness campaign designed to help people quickly identify the common signs of a stroke. It stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. Rapid recognition and immediate medical attention are crucial for improving stroke outcomes by enabling timely treatment.
Question 8: Which treatment is typically used for acute ischemic stroke within the therapeutic window?
- Antibiotics.
- Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) (Correct answer)
- Anticoagulants only after 48 hours.
- Surgery for all stroke types.
Correct answer: Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), also known as alteplase, is the only FDA-approved medication for acute ischemic stroke that can dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain. It must be administered intravenously within a narrow therapeutic window, typically 3 to 4.5 hours from symptom onset, to be most effective and minimize risks. Prompt administration significantly improves recovery outcomes for eligible patients.
Question 9: Which symptom is typical in a hemorrhagic stroke compared to ischemic stroke?
- Gradual numbness.
- Sudden severe headache (Correct answer)
- Slow onset of weakness.
- Chronic dizziness.
Correct answer: Sudden severe headache
While both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes can cause neurological symptoms, a sudden, 'thunderclap' headache of severe intensity is a hallmark symptom more commonly associated with hemorrhagic stroke, particularly subarachnoid hemorrhage. This is due to the irritation of meninges by blood. Ischemic strokes typically present with focal neurological deficits without such a pronounced headache.
Free CSRS Stroke Pathophysiology & Patient Assessment Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of ischemic stroke?