Indicate which of the 5 signs are likely to indicate that Angela has an extracranial bleed or angio-oedema? True or False:
Which of the following might suggest Angela is developing another complication of thrombolysis?
Reduced BP and increased pulse – Yes – this might indicate bleeding which may be obvious but might be internal, for example into the gut, bladder, a joint or back
Increased blood sugar on BM – No – this may occur after a stroke but is not a complication of thromblysis
Swollen lips or tongue – Yes – this might indicate angio-oedema which can cause airway obstruction in severe cases
Reduced oxygen saturations – No – this is much more likely to be due to a pneumonia or pulmonary embolism – although very rarely it might be caused by bleeding into the lungs or airway obstruction due to bleeding or angio-oedema.
Pain in the back – Yes – bleeding into or around the muscles in the back may be difficult to detect but will often cause pain
