USMLE Step 2 CK Practice – Stroke BP Management

Time: 90 sec

A 68-year-old man presents with sudden right-sided weakness and aphasia for 1 hour. CT scan shows no hemorrhage. BP is 190/115 mm Hg. He is a candidate for thrombolysis.

What is the next best step in management?

A. Immediate thrombolysis without BP control B. Lower BP to <180/100 using labetalol or nicardipine C. Lower BP to <140 immediately D. No BP treatment unless >220/120 E. Start oral antihypertensives