Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What should an EMT prioritize when dealing with a suspected stroke patient?

1. Physical examination

2. Time of symptom onset

3. Patient comfort

4. Patient's medical history

The correct answer is: Time of symptom onset

When dealing with a suspected stroke patient, prioritizing the time of symptom onset is crucial. This information is critical for determining the appropriate treatment options available, particularly regarding the administration of thrombolytic therapy. Many stroke treatments, especially those aimed at dissolving blood clots, are time-sensitive and must be administered within a specific window from the onset of symptoms, typically within a few hours. Understanding when the symptoms first appeared allows healthcare providers to assess the urgency of intervention and the potential for more effective treatment. Delays in treatment can lead to worse outcomes for the patient, including increased risk of permanent disability or death. While physical examination, patient comfort, and the patient’s medical history are important components of overall patient care, they do not take precedence over the critical time factor in stroke management. The initial evaluation may still yield valuable information, but establishing the onset time is paramount in guiding the therapeutic decisions that can significantly affect the patient's prognosis.