Many stroke patients are candidates for thrombolytic drugs.One of the most important things that an EMT can do to optimize the care of a stroke patient who is a candidate for the drugs is:

Question

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Determining the exact time of onset of symptoms is crucial in determining whether a stroke patient is a candidate for thrombolytic drugs. These drugs must be administered within a certain time frame from the onset of symptoms to be effective. Transporting the patient to a Level I Trauma Center or doing a thorough physical exam are important, but determining the time of onset is the most important action the EMT can take to optimize care for the patient. Transporting to the closest hospital is not necessarily the best option, as not all hospitals are equipped to administer thrombolytic drugs.

Many Stroke Patients Are Candidates for Thrombolytic Drugs