Within how many hours of the last known well time should a patient be transported to a stroke center?

Transporting a patient to a stroke center within a timely manner is crucial for effective intervention and potential reversal of symptoms. The correct window for transporting a patient who may be experiencing a stroke is generally within 4 to 12 hours since the last known well time, with the most effective treatment options, such as thrombolysis, being available if the patient arrives within 3 to 4.5 hours.

However, the context of the choices indicates that a slightly broader time frame is recognized, particularly in settings where subsequent interventions might still be feasible. While the best outcomes are associated with early transport, recognizing the options available, the choice of 20 hours exceeds the typical treatment window for acute stroke management and reflects a misunderstanding of critical time-sensitive care.

Thus, while the last known well time is significant in decision-making regarding possible intervention types, treatment eligibility can exist up to 12 hours for some patients, especially concerning mechanical thrombectomy. Hence, it is pertinent to ensure that patients are transported to a stroke center as swiftly as possible, ideally within this range, to optimize their chances of recovery.