What is essential for a patient under thrombolytic treatment when signs of bleeding occur?

In the context of a patient undergoing thrombolytic treatment, if signs of bleeding occur, notifying the neurologist and performing a dry scan is essential for several reasons. Thrombolytic therapy, aimed at breaking down blood clots in conditions like stroke, carries a risk of bleeding complications due to the alteration of blood coagulation mechanisms. When bleeding is suspected, timely assessment and intervention are crucial to mitigate potential harm.

Notifying the neurologist ensures that an expert is promptly informed of the situation and can guide further management. The neurologist can assess whether the benefits of continuing the thrombolytic therapy outweigh the risks associated with bleeding or if a different approach is warranted. Additionally, performing a dry scan—or imaging to evaluate the extent and location of the bleeding—provides critical information necessary for making informed treatment decisions.

This approach prioritizes patient safety and ensures that appropriate steps are taken based on the best possible data regarding the patient's condition, facilitating the correct response to a potentially serious complication.