Which action is recommended in the field management of stroke?

Which action is recommended in the field management of stroke?

• A. Keep patient flat
• B. Elevate the head
• C. Place on abdomen
• D. Give large amounts of oral fluids

Answer: (B)

Positioning is a simple but important part of field stroke care. Elevating the head about 30 degrees helps improve venous drainage from the brain and can reduce intracranial pressure, which is beneficial when the brain is swollen or stressed after a stroke. This position also supports airway protection and reduces the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs, while not significantly compromising blood flow if blood pressure is being monitored. Keeping the patient flat can raise intracranial pressure and worsen edema, and placing them on the abdomen interferes with breathing and airway management. Giving large amounts of oral fluids is avoided because swallowing may be impaired and there’s a high aspiration risk. So, slight head elevation is the recommended approach in the field.

Positioning is a simple but important part of field stroke care. Elevating the head about 30 degrees helps improve venous drainage from the brain and can reduce intracranial pressure, which is beneficial when the brain is swollen or stressed after a stroke. This position also supports airway protection and reduces the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs, while not significantly compromising blood flow if blood pressure is being monitored. Keeping the patient flat can raise intracranial pressure and worsen edema, and placing them on the abdomen interferes with breathing and airway management. Giving large amounts of oral fluids is avoided because swallowing may be impaired and there’s a high aspiration risk. So, slight head elevation is the recommended approach in the field.