Which action is incorrect during the acute phase of stroke treatment?

The initiation of tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) therapy is a critical action taken in the acute phase of ischemic stroke treatment, but it must be done within a specific window. The correct time frame for administering tPA is within 3 to 4.5 hours of symptom onset, depending on the patient's eligibility and specific guidelines. Therefore, stating that tPA can be initiated "if within 8 hours" is incorrect because this duration exceeds the recommended time frame for this treatment.

Monitoring vital signs frequently is essential during this acute phase to detect any changes in the patient’s condition and potentially prevent complications. Similarly, ensuring the patient is prepared for a CT scan is a necessary step in the diagnostic process, as it helps to determine the type of stroke and guides treatment. Assessing swallowing before feeding is also a crucial precaution to prevent aspiration, especially in patients who may have impaired swallowing reflexes following a stroke. Thus, these actions are standard practices in acute stroke management, while the criteria for tPA administration are more time-sensitive and stringent.