The 1-hour stroke care goals are critical in minimizing the impact of a stroke by providing timely and effective treatment. In this context, both obtaining a CT scan without contrast and conducting an NIH stroke scale assessment are essential components.
The CT scan without contrast is necessary to quickly determine whether a stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic, which significantly influences treatment options. Rapid imaging allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions about interventions, such as thrombolysis for ischemic strokes.
Simultaneously, obtaining the NIH stroke scale score is vital for assessing the severity of the stroke and monitoring the patient’s neurological status. This standardized assessment helps determine the extent of the stroke-related deficits and aids in guiding treatment decisions.
Thus, combining both the CT scan and NIH stroke scale assessment aligns perfectly with the 1-hour stroke care goals, ensuring that patients receive prompt and precise evaluation and care, ultimately leading to better outcomes.