During a code stroke, what should a PCT do?

During a code stroke, what should a PCT do?

• A. Delay action until staff arrive.
• B. Activate code stroke and alert the RN.
• C. Move patient to another room.
• D. Start anti-coagulant therapy.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to act immediately within the hospital’s stroke protocol. When stroke symptoms are detected, a PCT should trigger the code stroke and notify the RN right away so the stroke team can mobilize, get the patient to imaging, and determine eligibility for treatments like thrombolysis without delay. Time matters in stroke care—every minute can affect outcomes—so initiating the protocol as fast as possible is essential. Delaying action until staff arrive would waste crucial minutes, delaying potential therapy and imaging. Moving the patient to another room disrupts the urgent workflow and could hinder monitoring and readiness for imaging. Starting anticoagulant therapy without an order and without knowing the stroke type is unsafe, since anticoagulants can be harmful if the patient has a hemorrhagic stroke or other contraindications.

The key idea is to act immediately within the hospital’s stroke protocol. When stroke symptoms are detected, a PCT should trigger the code stroke and notify the RN right away so the stroke team can mobilize, get the patient to imaging, and determine eligibility for treatments like thrombolysis without delay. Time matters in stroke care—every minute can affect outcomes—so initiating the protocol as fast as possible is essential.

Delaying action until staff arrive would waste crucial minutes, delaying potential therapy and imaging. Moving the patient to another room disrupts the urgent workflow and could hinder monitoring and readiness for imaging. Starting anticoagulant therapy without an order and without knowing the stroke type is unsafe, since anticoagulants can be harmful if the patient has a hemorrhagic stroke or other contraindications.