Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What should not be administered to a patient experiencing a stroke?

1. Pain relief medication

2. Fluid bolus

3. Antiplatelets

4. Thrombolytics

The correct answer is: Fluid bolus

The administration of a fluid bolus is generally not recommended for patients experiencing a stroke, particularly in the acute setting. Strokes often lead to specific physiological changes, and the management protocols emphasize the importance of avoiding interventions that could complicate the patient's condition. When a patient has a stroke, particularly in the case of ischemic strokes, the primary concern is the restoration of blood flow to the affected area of the brain. This makes interventions like thrombolytics critical, as they are designed to dissolve the clot that is blocking the blood flow. Pain relief medications are typically provided in cases where a patient may be experiencing significant discomfort, and antiplatelets may be used later for prevention of further strokes. In contrast, a fluid bolus could potentially lead to increased intracranial pressure or exacerbate the injury due to swelling, particularly in hemorrhagic strokes. Thus, it is essential for medical personnel to be cautious with fluid administration in these situations. The focus should instead be on interventions that directly address the stroke's underlying cause.