A 69-year-old man is brought in by his wife with acute onset aphasia for the past 5 hours. The patient's wife says that they were sitting having dinner when suddenly he was not able to speak. They delayed coming to the hospital because he had a similar episode 2 months ago which resolved within an hour. His past medical history is significant for hypercholesterolemia, managed with rosuvastatin, and a myocardial infarction (MI) 2 months ago, status post percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty complicated by residual angina. His family history is significant for his father who died of MI at age 60. The patient reports a 15-pack-year smoking history but denies any alcohol or recreational drug use. The vital signs include: temperature 37.0℃ (98.6℉), blood pressure 125/85 mm Hg, pulse 96/min, and respiratory rate 19/min. On physical examination, the patient has expressive aphasia. There is a weakness of the right-sided lower facial muscles. The strength in his upper and lower extremities is 4/5 on the right and 5/5 on the left. There is also a decreased sensation on his right side. A noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the head is unremarkable. CT angiography (CTA) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain are acquired, and the findings are shown in the exhibit (see image). Which of the following is the best course of treatment in this patient?
AAspirin
BMannitol
CMechanical thrombectomy
DIV tPA
ELow molecular weight heparin
A 45-year-old man presents to the emergency department with complaints of right-sided weakness and slurring of speech for 1 hour. There is no history of head trauma, myocardial infarction, recent surgery, gastrointestinal or urinary bleeding. He has hypertension, chronic atrial fibrillation, and a 20 pack-year cigarette smoking history. The medication list includes valsartan and rivaroxaban. The vital signs include: blood pressure 180/92 mm Hg, pulse 144/min and irregular, and temperature 37.2°C (99.0°F). On physical examination, there is a facial asymmetry with a deviation of angle of mouth to the left side on smiling. Muscle strength is reduced in both upper and lower limbs on the right side while on the left side it’s normal. Random blood glucose is 104 mg/dL. A complete blood count is normal. A CT scan of the head is shown in the image. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
AHeparin
BAmiodarone
CMetoprolol
DTissue plasminogen activator
EAspirin
A 69-year-old male presents to the emergency department for slurred speech and an inability to use his right arm which occurred while he was eating dinner. The patient arrived at the emergency department within one hour. A CT scan was performed of the head and did not reveal any signs of hemorrhage. The patient is given thrombolytics and is then managed on the neurology floor. Three days later, the patient is recovering and is stable. He seems depressed but is doing well with his symptoms gradually improving as compared to his initial presentation. The patient complains of neck pain that has worsened slowly over the past few days for which he is being given ibuprofen. Laboratory values are ordered and return as indicated below: Serum: Na+: 130 mEq/L K+: 3.7 mEq/L Cl-: 100 mEq/L HCO3-: 24 mEq/L Urea nitrogen: 7 mg/dL Glucose: 70 mg/dL Creatinine: 0.9 mg/dL Ca2+: 9.7 mg/dL Urine: Appearance: dark Glucose: negative WBC: 0/hpf Bacterial: none Na+: 320 mEq/L/24 hours His temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), pulse is 95/min, blood pressure is 129/70 mmHg, respirations are 10/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Which of the following is the best next step in management?
ADemeclocycline
BFluid restriction
COral salt tablets
DContinue conservative management
EConivaptan
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