Thrombolysis Case Studies

Case Study 8 (1)

The Emergency Department is notified about a 54-year-old man en route by ambulance with probable stroke. He was at work behind the bar at a hotel near the medical center at the onset of symptoms. At 9:36 pm, the patient complained to co-workers of right-arm weakness and then collapsed. Paramedics were notified via the 911 operator and were on the scene by 9:56 pm. They noted that his speech was slurred but understandable.  He was unable to move the right side of his body. Vital signs were normal at the scene and finger-stick glucose was 80 mg/dL. The patient was transported to the medical center as a Code 3. He arrived at 10:00 pm.

At this point it is appropriate to:

Cancel the Code Stroke because the patient has only “lacunar” symptoms.

Continue the Code Stroke by ordering a STAT CT brain scan.

Do nothing until the patient is evaluated.