A rare but serious complication of tPA administration is...

The rare but serious complication of tPA (tissue Plasminogen Activator) administration is hemorrhage. tPA is a thrombolytic agent used in the management of acute ischemic stroke to dissolve blood clots. While tPA can be life-saving, it carries significant risks, particularly the potential for bleeding.

Hemorrhage can occur in several areas, including intracranial hemorrhage, which is the most concerning because it can lead to worsened neurological outcomes or even death. The risk of hemorrhage is particularly high if tPA is administered outside of the specified time window or in patients with certain contraindications, such as recent surgeries or a history of bleeding disorders.

In contrast, although hypotension and anaphylaxis are relevant considerations, they are not nearly as specific to tPA administration and occur less frequently. Cardiac arrest can occur due to various reasons unrelated to the administration of tPA, such as underlying cardiac conditions. Thus, the focus on hemorrhage as a serious complication reflects an understanding of the specific risks associated with thrombolytic therapy in stroke management.