In the pediatric stroke protocol, which of the following is an initial management step?

In the pediatric stroke protocol, which of the following is an initial management step?

• A. Elevate head of stretcher to 30°
• B. Administer high-flow oxygen
• C. Place patient in Trendelenburg
• D. Begin rapid sequence intubation

Answer: (A)

Elevating the head of the stretcher to about 30 degrees supports cerebral perfusion while helping to lower intracranial pressure by promoting venous drainage. This simple, noninvasive measure fits as an early step in pediatric stroke care because it stabilizes the brain’s environment as you assess and treat the patient. If there’s no sign of hypoxia, giving high-flow oxygen isn’t automatically needed right away, and raising oxygen without a reason can be unnecessary. Placing the patient in Trendelenburg would increase intracranial pressure and decrease cerebral perfusion, which is harmful in suspected brain injury or stroke. Beginning rapid sequence intubation is reserved for airway compromise or failure to maintain oxygenation and ventilation; it introduces its own risks and isn’t the first move when a simple positional change can help.

Elevating the head of the stretcher to about 30 degrees supports cerebral perfusion while helping to lower intracranial pressure by promoting venous drainage. This simple, noninvasive measure fits as an early step in pediatric stroke care because it stabilizes the brain’s environment as you assess and treat the patient.

If there’s no sign of hypoxia, giving high-flow oxygen isn’t automatically needed right away, and raising oxygen without a reason can be unnecessary. Placing the patient in Trendelenburg would increase intracranial pressure and decrease cerebral perfusion, which is harmful in suspected brain injury or stroke. Beginning rapid sequence intubation is reserved for airway compromise or failure to maintain oxygenation and ventilation; it introduces its own risks and isn’t the first move when a simple positional change can help.