NCLEX Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the NCLEX Exam with comprehensive study aids. Utilize flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations to enhance your learning and boost your confidence. Get fully ready for your exam day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to clients with ischemic stroke should be within:

1 to 2 hours from symptom onset
2 to 4 hours from symptom onset
3 to 4.5 hours from symptom onset
4 to 6 hours from symptom onset

The correct answer is: 1 to 2 hours from symptom onset

The administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a critical intervention for patients experiencing an ischemic stroke, and time is a vital factor in its effectiveness. The correct timeframe for administering tPA is within 3 to 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms. This window is supported by clinical guidelines which emphasize that administering tPA within this interval maximizes the likelihood of improving outcomes and reducing potential complications, such as intracerebral hemorrhage. If tPA is given too late, beyond this critical time window, the risk of adverse effects outweighs the potential benefits, and the medication may not effectively dissolve the clot. Understanding the significance of this time frame is crucial for nursing practice, as prompt recognition and intervention can significantly influence the recovery trajectory of stroke patients.