Table 3

Clinical pathway for acute ischaemic stroke (routinely followed protocols across Pakistan)

Clinical pathway for acute ischaemic stroke
18.Please carry out the following orders as appropriateYesNoDate and time
19.Admit to stroke unit or ICU for 48–72 hours (at a few centres only), then shift to general ward if stable
20.National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)/GCS (individual centre adapted protocols may differ) once/twice daily
21.CT scan of head repeated STAT if decreased level of consciousness or new deficit
22.Monitor vital signs (BP, HR, cardiac rhythm, scores, metabolic acidemia, pulse oximeter (SaPO2) (give oxygen as indicated), Temp and respiratory rate (RR))
23.Monitor vital signs: every 30×3; every 1 hour×every 6 hours, then every 3 hours×every 10 hours (individual centre adapted protocols may differ)
24.Start mobilisation (in bed or chair) if stable (after functional assessment)
25.Bed rest for 24 hours
26.Keep nothing per oral (NPO) until swallowing screen done (if dysphagia present, keep NPO and repeat screen in 24 hours)
  • BP, blood pressure; GCS, Glasgow Coma Scale; ICU, intensive care unit; NPO, nothing per oral; SaPO2, scores, metabolic acidemia, pulse oximeter; Temp, temperature.