Review Of Related Diseases (RRD) 10 – Disorders Of The Neurological System Practice Test

What is the therapeutic time window for IV tPA in eligible patients?

Within 4.5 hours of onset Within 2 hours Within 6 hours Within 12 hours

Correct Answer:

Within 4.5 hours of onset

Explanation:

Treating an acute ischemic stroke with IV tPA is highly time-dependent. The accepted therapeutic window for giving IV alteplase in eligible patients is within 4.5 hours from when symptoms began. Treating within this period maximizes the chance of dissolving the clot before irreversible brain damage occurs, helping to preserve function. Trials showed strong benefit early on, and an extended window to 4.5 hours is allowed for carefully selected patients who meet specific criteria and have no contraindications, with imaging used to rule out hemorrhage. Beyond 4.5 hours, the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rises and the potential benefit declines, so IV tPA is generally not given in that later window.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to Review of Related Diseases (RRD) 10 – Disorders of the Neurological System Practice Test for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions