NCLEX-RN PRACTICE QUESTION/t-PA

NCLEX-RN Practice Question:

Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is considered for treatment of a patient who arrives in the emergency department following onset of symptoms of myocardial infarction. Which of the following is a contraindication for treatment with t-PA?

A. Worsening chest pain that began earlier in the evening.
B. History of cerebral hemorrhage.
C. History of prior myocardial infarction.
D. Hypertension.

HINTS:
t-PA acts by dissolving the clot which is blocking the coronary artery.
t-PA works best when administered within 6 hours of onset of symptoms.
Prior MI is not a contraindication to t-PA.
Patients receiving t-PA should be observed for changes in blood pressure, as t-PA may cause hypotension.
A history of cerebral hemorrhage is a contraindication to t-PA because it may increase the risk of bleeding.

ANSWER: B