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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Diseases & Conditions

Take the CVA Quiz: Test Your Cerebrovascular Accident Knowledge!

Think you can master these CVA questions? Dive into the stroke quiz now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art brain puzzle and quiz icons on teal background for CVA signs symptoms treatments challenge

Are you ready to challenge your knowledge with the Ultimate CVA Quiz? Our free cerebrovascular accident quiz is the perfect way for nursing students, medical professionals, and dedicated caregivers to gauge their stroke quiz skills. You'll encounter real-world scenarios, tackle crucial CVA questions on warning signs, risk factors, and treatment pathways, and measure your confidence in a timed CVA test environment. Spark your curiosity, deepen your understanding, and find out where you excel and what to review next. For more targeted practice, explore our neuro practice modules or dive into specialized stroke test questions . Take the cva quiz now and elevate your expertise!

What does the "F" in the FAST acronym for stroke recognition stand for?
Facial numbness
Frontal headache
Falling risk
Face drooping
FAST is a widely used mnemonic to identify key stroke symptoms quickly. The "F" specifically refers to facial drooping, where one side of the face may sag or fail to move normally. Rapid identification and response can reduce time to treatment and improve outcomes. Stroke Symptoms
Which type of stroke accounts for the majority of cerebrovascular accident cases?
Transient ischemic attack
Hemorrhagic stroke
Cerebral venous thrombosis
Ischemic stroke
Ischemic strokes, caused by blood clots obstructing cerebral arteries, comprise about 80 - 85% of all stroke cases. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but often more severe. Timely reperfusion strategies like tPA are specific to ischemic events. AHA Stroke Statistics
What is the recommended time window for administering intravenous alteplase (tPA) in eligible acute ischemic stroke patients?
Within 12 hours of symptom onset
Within 4.5 hours of symptom onset
Within 24 hours of symptom onset
Within 6 hours of symptom onset
Current guidelines extend the intravenous alteplase window to 4.5 hours for eligible ischemic stroke patients after symptom onset. Beyond this window, risks of hemorrhage outweigh benefits for most patients. Patient selection also depends on imaging criteria and clinical evaluation. tPA Time Window
Which of the following is the most common presenting symptom of an acute stroke?
Gradual confusion
Bilateral numbness
Chronic headache
Sudden unilateral weakness
Sudden onset of unilateral motor weakness or paralysis is the classic presentation of acute stroke, reflecting cortical or subcortical involvement. Other symptoms like speech disturbance or visual deficits can also occur but motor weakness is most common. Early recognition of focal deficits is critical for rapid intervention. Stroke Symptoms
How is a transient ischemic attack (TIA) traditionally defined?
Permanent neurological deficit lasting more than 24 hours
Neurological symptoms resolving within 24 hours without infarction
Any stroke symptoms lasting less than 48 hours
Imaging-confirmed infarction lasting less than one week
Traditionally, a TIA is defined by transient neurological symptoms resolving within 24 hours and no evidence of infarction on imaging. Tissue-based definitions now focus on absence of infarction on MRI. TIAs are warning signs for future strokes and warrant urgent evaluation. TIA Definition
Which of the following is the most important modifiable risk factor for stroke?
Family history of stroke
Gender (male)
Hypertension
Age over 65
Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Controlling blood pressure significantly reduces stroke incidence. Other nonmodifiable factors like age and family history also contribute but cannot be changed. Hypertension and Stroke
What is the first-line imaging modality to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in the emergency setting?
CT angiography
MRI of the brain
Non-contrast CT scan of the head
Carotid duplex ultrasound
Non-contrast CT is quick, widely available, and highly sensitive for detecting acute intracranial hemorrhage, making it the first-line test to distinguish between stroke types. MRI is more sensitive for early ischemia but takes longer and is less accessible in emergencies. CT angiography and ultrasound are used for vessel assessment once bleeding is excluded. Stroke Imaging
Which imaging modality is most sensitive for detecting acute ischemic changes in the first few hours after stroke onset?
CT angiography
Non-contrast CT scan
Carotid ultrasound
Diffusion-weighted MRI
Diffusion-weighted MRI can detect cytotoxic edema within minutes of ischemia, making it the most sensitive early test for acute infarction. CT is less sensitive to early ischemic changes but remains first-line to exclude hemorrhage. CT angiography assesses vessels but does not show parenchymal diffusion changes. DWI in Acute Stroke
Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to administering intravenous tPA in acute stroke?
History of hypertension controlled on medication
Evidence of intracranial hemorrhage on CT scan
Age over 80 years
History of migraine with aura
Intracranial hemorrhage on CT is an absolute contraindication to thrombolysis because tPA would worsen bleeding. History of migraine, controlled hypertension, and even age over 80 are not absolute contraindications under current guidelines. Patient selection relies on exclusion of hemorrhage first. tPA Contraindications
Lacunar strokes are most often caused by occlusion of which type of vessel?
Small penetrating arterioles
Large cortical arteries
Cerebral veins
Dural sinuses
Lacunar strokes arise from lipohyalinosis or microatheroma in small penetrating arterioles supplying deep brain structures. They produce small (<15 mm) infarcts in areas like the internal capsule or pons. Large cortical arteries cause territorial infarcts, not lacunes. Lacunar Stroke
Which cardiac arrhythmia significantly increases the risk of cardioembolic stroke?
First-degree AV block
Sinus bradycardia
Atrial fibrillation
Premature ventricular contractions
Atrial fibrillation leads to stasis of blood in the atria and formation of thrombi, which can embolize to cerebral vessels. It is a major cause of cardioembolic stroke. Other arrhythmias have a much lower embolic potential. AFib and Stroke
What is the primary purpose of the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)?
To quantify stroke severity on initial exam
To predict hemorrhagic transformation
To decide blood pressure targets
To evaluate long-term rehabilitation outcomes
The NIHSS is a systematic tool that scores consciousness, motor function, language, and other domains to assess acute stroke severity. It helps in treatment decisions and prognostication. It is not designed specifically for predicting bleeding or guiding rehab. NIH Stroke Scale
What is the accepted time window for mechanical thrombectomy in eligible acute ischemic stroke patients?
Up to 3 hours from symptom onset
Up to 48 hours from symptom onset
Up to 6 hours from symptom onset
Up to 24 hours from symptom onset
Mechanical thrombectomy is approved for selected patients within 6 hours of symptom onset, based on trials showing improved outcomes. Recent extended-window trials up to 24 hours use advanced imaging, but the standard window remains up to 6 hours. Treatment decisions rely on vessel occlusion and penumbral imaging. Thrombectomy Trial
Which complication is particularly associated with hemorrhagic stroke compared to ischemic stroke?
Rapidly increased intracranial pressure
Renal failure
Hyperglycemia
Cardiac arrhythmias
Hemorrhagic strokes often cause mass effect and acute rises in intracranial pressure due to bleeding into brain tissue. This can lead to herniation if not managed promptly. Ischemic strokes more commonly present with cytotoxic edema over days. Hemorrhagic Stroke Complications
Anosognosia (lack of awareness of deficits) in stroke patients is most commonly associated with lesions in which hemisphere?
Brainstem
Right hemisphere
Bilateral hemispheres
Left hemisphere
Anosognosia is frequently seen after right parietal lobe lesions and leads to denial of deficits such as hemiplegia. Left hemisphere strokes more often cause aphasia but not unawareness. Recognition of anosognosia is important for rehabilitation planning. Anosognosia in Stroke
Homonymous hemianopia in a stroke patient suggests a lesion in which part of the brain?
Temporal lobe
Frontal lobe
Parietal lobe
Occipital lobe
Homonymous hemianopia results from damage to the optic radiations or primary visual cortex in the occipital lobe. Lesions elsewhere cause different visual field deficits. Identifying the field cut can help localize the infarct. Visual Field Deficits
In acute stroke care, the term "penumbra" refers to:
Swollen tissue causing increased intracranial pressure
Ischemic brain tissue that is at risk but still salvageable
Irreversibly infarcted core
Collateral circulation around the clot
The penumbra is the zone of hypoperfused tissue around the infarct core that can be rescued with timely reperfusion. The core is irreversibly infarcted and not salvageable. Penumbral imaging guides advanced stroke therapies. Ischemic Penumbra
A platelet count below which threshold is considered an absolute contraindication for IV thrombolysis in ischemic stroke?
< 75,000 per mm³
< 50,000 per mm³
< 150,000 per mm³
< 100,000 per mm³
Guidelines list a platelet count below 100,000 per mm³ as an absolute contraindication to IV alteplase due to bleeding risk. Counts above this threshold are acceptable if no other contraindications exist. Monitoring coagulation parameters is essential before thrombolysis. tPA Guidelines
Hemorrhagic transformation of an ischemic stroke is primarily caused by:
Cerebral vasospasm
Platelet activation in the infarcted tissue
Reperfusion injury to damaged vessels
Increased intracranial pressure alone
When blood flow is restored to ischemic tissue, fragile vessels can leak or rupture, causing hemorrhagic transformation. This reperfusion injury is heightened by thrombolytic therapy and severe ischemia. Recognizing at-risk patients guides therapy. Hemorrhagic Transformation
Which antiplatelet regimen is recommended for secondary prevention in non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke?
Aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole
Clopidogrel alone
Aspirin alone
Warfarin
For non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke, combination therapy with aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole has demonstrated superior efficacy to aspirin alone in preventing recurrence. Clopidogrel is an alternative monotherapy. Anticoagulation is reserved for cardioembolic sources. Secondary Prevention Trial
After administering IV tPA for ischemic stroke, blood pressure should be maintained below which threshold to reduce hemorrhagic risk?
160/90 mmHg
200/120 mmHg
180/105 mmHg
140/80 mmHg
Guidelines recommend keeping blood pressure below 180/105 mmHg for at least 24 hours after tPA to minimize hemorrhagic complications. More aggressive lowering can risk hypoperfusion. Continuous monitoring in a stroke unit is essential. Post-tPA BP Management
Which clinical feature is most characteristic of a subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Progressive focal weakness
Chronic low-grade headache
Gradual cognitive decline
Sudden onset thunderclap headache
Subarachnoid hemorrhage typically presents with a sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache often described as the worst of one's life. Meningeal irritation signs like neck stiffness also appear. Focal deficits are less prominent initially. SAH Presentation
A favorable ASPECTS score indicating a good candidate for mechanical thrombectomy is:
Less than 6
6 or greater
Greater than 10
Exactly 5
The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) assesses early ischemic changes on CT; a score of 6 or more correlates with smaller infarct core and better thrombectomy outcomes. Scores under 6 suggest extensive irreversible damage. ASPECTS is used to refine patient selection. ASPECTS Criteria
Decompressive hemicraniectomy is recommended within 48 hours for malignant infarction of which arterial territory?
Basilar artery
Middle cerebral artery
Posterior cerebral artery
Anterior cerebral artery
Large middle cerebral artery infarctions can lead to malignant cerebral edema and herniation. Early decompressive hemicraniectomy within 48 hours reduces mortality and improves functional outcomes in these patients. Other territories rarely produce the same space?occupying effect. Malignant MCA Infarction
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall CVA Fundamentals -

    After completing this cerebrovascular accident quiz, you'll accurately recall the definitions, classifications, and pathophysiology of CVAs to reinforce your foundational knowledge.

  2. Identify Key Signs and Symptoms -

    You'll pinpoint both common and atypical stroke indicators presented in this stroke quiz, enhancing your ability to recognize early warning signs in clinical practice.

  3. Differentiate Stroke Types -

    Through targeted cva questions, you'll distinguish between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, deepening your understanding of each subtype's underlying mechanisms.

  4. Apply Treatment Principles -

    After engaging with the cva quiz, you'll apply evidence-based acute management strategies and interventions for patients experiencing a cerebrovascular accident.

  5. Analyze Patient Scenarios -

    You'll evaluate real-world case studies to sharpen diagnostic reasoning and decision-making skills within the context of a CVA test.

  6. Evaluate Knowledge Gaps -

    Using immediate feedback from the cva test, you'll assess your strengths and identify areas needing further review to guide your ongoing learning.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Ischemic vs. Hemorrhagic Stroke -

    Cerebrovascular accidents fall into two main categories: ischemic (about 87% of strokes) occur when a clot blocks blood flow, while hemorrhagic strokes happen when a vessel ruptures. Remember "I" for Ischemic = Include clot-busting strategies; "H" for Hemorrhagic = Handle bleeding and reduce pressure (AHA, Stroke.org). This distinction is crucial for any cva quiz or cva test question on pathophysiology and initial management.

  2. FAST Mnemonic for Rapid Recognition -

    Use FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech slurring, Time to call 911) to spot stroke symptoms in under 60 seconds (CDC, NIH). A simple rhyme - "If You FACE a stroke, FAST is the key" - boosts retention for your stroke quiz. Early recognition can dramatically improve outcomes by shortening the door-to-needle time.

  3. NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Basics -

    The NIHSS is a 15-item tool quantifying stroke severity, with scores ranging from 0 (no deficits) to 42 (severe deficits). Familiarize yourself with key items - level of consciousness, gaze, motor function - to ace cva questions on neurological assessment (NIH NINDS). A quick tip: mental status checks and limb drift evaluations are often tested in advanced CVA quizzes.

  4. Acute Reperfusion Therapies -

    Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is indicated within 4.5 hours of onset at 0.9 mg/kg (10% bolus, remainder over 60 min); mechanical thrombectomy extends up to 24 hours in select cases (AHA/ASA guidelines). Know contraindications - recent surgery, bleeding risk - for your cva test scenarios. These time-sensitive interventions frequently appear in stroke quiz questions on emergency management.

  5. Secondary Prevention Strategies -

    After an initial CVA, antiplatelet agents (aspirin 81 mg daily or clopidogrel) plus statins (e.g., atorvastatin ≥ 40 mg) reduce recurrence (Lancet Neurology). Lifestyle modifications - BP < 140/90 mmHg, LDL < 70 mg/dL, smoking cessation - are high-yield topics in cerebrovascular accident quizzes. A handy mnemonic: "SALT" (Statins, Aspirin, Lifestyle, Tight BP) to recall prevention pillars.

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