An older person has sudden onset of a severe headache, left-sided facial drooping, and left arm numbness. The person's daughter calls 911 and the person is transported to the emergency de-partment
The first diagnostic test that will likely be performed is a(n):
a. electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess for atrial fibrillation
b. computed axial tomography (CAT) scan to differentiate hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke.
c. international normalized ratio to determine level of anticoagulation.
d. lumbar puncture to assess for infection.
ANS: B
The first diagnostic test that will be done is a CAT scan to differentiate hemorrhagic from is-chemic stroke. If it is an ischemic stroke, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can be administered to dissolve the clot but must be done within 3 hours. Depending on the patient's presentation, all of the other diagnostic tests may also be done following the CAT scan.
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