Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

An ischemic stroke is MOST often the result of a(n):

1. Blocked cerebral artery

2. Ruptured cerebral artery

3. Systemic hypotension

4. Cerebral venous thrombosis

The correct answer is: Blocked cerebral artery

An ischemic stroke occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to a part of the brain, leading to tissue damage due to insufficient oxygen and nutrients. This condition is most commonly caused by a blocked cerebral artery, resulting from thrombosis (a blood clot) or embolism (a clot that travels to the brain from another part of the body). The blockage prevents blood from reaching the brain tissue, which is critical for its function and survival. When a cerebral artery is blocked, the affected area of the brain starts to die, leading to the various neurological deficits characteristic of an ischemic stroke, such as weakness, speech difficulties, and loss of coordination. This pathology emphasizes the importance of timely medical intervention to restore blood flow and minimize brain damage. In contrast, a ruptured cerebral artery typically results in a hemorrhagic stroke, not ischemic. Systemic hypotension can lead to inadequate perfusion of brain tissue but is not a direct cause of ischemic strokes. Cerebral venous thrombosis involves clots in the brain's venous drainage system, which is less common and typically features different symptoms and complications than those associated with ischemic strokes. Understanding these distinctions is vital in the context of stroke management and treatment.