STROKE, ISCHEMIC: TREATMENT WITH THROMBOLYSIS

Course overview

The current standard of care for patients with ischemic stroke (IS) includes rapid blood pressure control, prevention of hyperthermia, glycemic control, treatment of neurologic complications, supportive care, antiplatelet therapy, thrombolytic therapy (TT; also called thrombolysis; i.e., the breaking down or dissolving of blood clots by a pharmacologic agent), and physical therapy. Administration of thrombolytic agents within 3 hours after stroke onset is the treatment of choice for acute ischemic stroke. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of treatment of IS with thrombolysis, including indications for use, contraindications, and adverse effects, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.