Which protocol should be followed for stroke and TIA under BLS?

Which protocol should be followed for stroke and TIA under BLS?

• A. Treat per Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack protocol
• B. Administer naloxone
• C. Administer rapid IV glucose
• D. Transport to any hospital without protocol

Answer: (B)

In a stroke- or TIA- like presentation, you treat the situation by addressing potential reversible causes of altered mental status while initiating the appropriate time-sensitive stroke assessment and transport. One such reversible cause is opioid overdose. If there is any suspicion of opioid involvement—such as decreased alertness with slowed breathing, pinpoint pupils, or known exposure—you administer naloxone per your protocol. Naloxone can rapidly reverse opioid effects, improving airway and ventilation and helping clarify whether symptoms are due to overdose or another cause like stroke. After giving naloxone, you should continue the stroke evaluation and activate the stroke protocol, ensuring rapid transport to a designated stroke center and pre-notification to the receiving facility. The key idea is to use naloxone only when overdose is plausible, and otherwise focus on the stroke/TIA protocol and urgent transport.

In a stroke- or TIA- like presentation, you treat the situation by addressing potential reversible causes of altered mental status while initiating the appropriate time-sensitive stroke assessment and transport. One such reversible cause is opioid overdose. If there is any suspicion of opioid involvement—such as decreased alertness with slowed breathing, pinpoint pupils, or known exposure—you administer naloxone per your protocol. Naloxone can rapidly reverse opioid effects, improving airway and ventilation and helping clarify whether symptoms are due to overdose or another cause like stroke. After giving naloxone, you should continue the stroke evaluation and activate the stroke protocol, ensuring rapid transport to a designated stroke center and pre-notification to the receiving facility. The key idea is to use naloxone only when overdose is plausible, and otherwise focus on the stroke/TIA protocol and urgent transport.