Team Response Scenario: Katherine Archer Stroke Post-Assessment

Team Response Scenario: Katherine Archer Stroke Post-
Assessment
At minimum, what initial actions should be performed within 10 minutes of Mrs.
Archer's arrival at the emergency department?
Conduct a primary assessment

Establish cardiac monitoring

Obtain a brain CT/MRI

Obtain vitals

Draw blood
Which additional assessment should the team perform emergently if it will not
delay brain imaging?
12-lead EKG
What is the time frame for ordering brain imaging?
Ordering: Within 10 minutes

Results: Within 20 minutes

Interpretation: Within 45 minutes
Dr. Chu, the stroke team neurologist, has interpreted Mrs. Archer's brain CT scan
and sees no evidence of hemorrhage. What intervention should the team
consider next?
Fibrinolytic therapy
What additional actions should Dr. Chu take before initiating fibrinolytic therapy
for Mrs. Archer?
Review medical history for contraindications

Repeat focused neuro exam

Confirm time of symptom onset
Within how many minutes of the patient's arrival at the emergency department
should fibrinolytic therapy be initiated?
Arrival at ED: 45-60 minutes

Since onset of symptoms: 3-4.5 hrs