COPE Health Scholars Practice Test

Which of the following describes a hemorrhagic stroke?

1. A blockage of a vessel to the brain

2. Bursts of a vessel in the brain causing bleeding

3. A temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain

4. A clot that travels to the brain from another part of the body

The correct answer is: Bursts of a vessel in the brain causing bleeding

A hemorrhagic stroke is characterized by the bursting of a blood vessel in the brain, leading to bleeding within the surrounding tissues. This type of stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel, such as an aneurysm or an arterio-venous malformation (AVM), ruptures, resulting in a loss of blood supply to the affected area of the brain while also creating pressure that can damage brain cells. The immediate consequence is that blood begins to leak into the brain tissue, which can cause significant injury and may lead to various neurological symptoms depending on the area affected. In contrast, other options describe different types of strokes or conditions. A blockage of a vessel pertains to an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed. A temporary decrease in blood flow aligns with a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often termed a "mini-stroke," where symptoms are temporary and resolve within a short period. Additionally, a clot that travels from another part of the body defines an embolic stroke, a subtype of ischemic stroke where a clot formed elsewhere travels to the brain, causing an obstruction. Each of these alternatives highlights distinct mechanisms or events that lead to different clinical presentations and treatment approaches.