Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the most important question to ask the spouse of a patient showing signs of an acute ischemic stroke?

1. What medications is she currently taking?

2. When did you first notice the symptoms?

3. Has she had any previous strokes?

4. How long has she been feeling unwell?

The correct answer is: When did you first notice the symptoms?

Asking when the symptoms were first noticed is crucial when assessing a patient who may be experiencing an acute ischemic stroke. This is known as the "time of onset," and it guides the healthcare team in making critical decisions regarding treatment options, including the administration of thrombolytics (clot-busting medications). The effectiveness of these treatments is highly time-dependent; generally, they need to be given within a specific window, usually within three to four and a half hours from symptom onset, to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of significant brain damage. By determining the onset of symptoms, emergency responders can establish whether the patient is eligible for treatment and can advocate for timely interventions. Other questions, while important for gathering comprehensive patient history, do not hold the same immediate impact on treatment decisions for an acute ischemic stroke.