STROKE: TREATMENT STRATEGIES IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Course overview

Because stroke is considered a medical emergency, diagnosis and treatment are extremely time-sensitive. The recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) alteplase is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with ischemic stroke within 3 hours after onset of stroke symptoms. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of treatment strategies for stroke in the ED, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, 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.