TPA Flashcards
1
Q
What is tPA also known as?
A
Alteplase
2
Q
What is alteplase?
A
A protein
3
Q
What does it do?
A
Dissolves arterial clots
Decreases risk of long-term neurological deficits post CVA
4
Q
When can it be used?
A
Within 3 hours of stroke onset (within 4.5 hours may be appropriate for certain patients)
5
Q
Side effects of tPA
A
Hemorrhage Cerebral edema Seizure Hypotension Fever
6
Q
How to monitor response to tPA:
A
Physical exam BP Neurological exam CT scan Bleeding
7
Q
What is the phrase associated with receiving a tPA?
A
“Time is brain” - Pt.’s should receive within 1 hour of ED presentation (“door to needle” in 60 minutes)
8
Q
Contraindications
A
Hemorrhagic stroke Ischemic stroke in previous 3 months Previous ICH Seizure at time of stroke Aneurysm INR > 1.7 Plt count < 100,000/mm3 Intracranial or intraspinal surgery in previous 3 months Serious head injury in previous 3 months (TBI) Uncontrolled HTN at time of tx'ment Active internal bleeding Brain tumor Heparin use w/in 48hrs of stroke Multi-lobar cerebral infarction
