AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following is a contraindication for the stroke bypass protocol?

1. CTAS 1

2. BGL over 4

3. GCS over 10

4. Stable vital signs

The correct answer is: CTAS 1

The stroke bypass protocol is designed to transport patients with suspected strokes to specialized stroke centers quickly, ensuring they receive the appropriate care as soon as possible. In this context, a contraindication refers to a situation that would suggest that a patient should not undergo this specific protocol. CTAS (Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale) level 1 indicates a patient who is critically ill and requires immediate medical attention. This high-priority classification suggests that the patient may be experiencing a life-threatening condition that necessitates rapid intervention, potentially at a facility that can provide comprehensive emergency care rather than focusing solely on a stroke protocol. In such cases, the bypass to a stroke center may not be suitable, as the primary need is to address their critical condition first. In contrast, the other conditions listed relate to parameters that, while important to consider, do not serve as contraindications. For instance, a blood glucose level over 4 is typically within normal limits and does not negate the need for stroke protocol if stroke signs are present. A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score over 10 suggests that the patient is more alert, which does not prevent stroke management. Finally, stable vital signs indicate that a person’s condition is not currently unstable, which alone does not