A client at a community center suddenly develops facial droo… | MyMerci
Changes in Vital SignsROR
Question
A client at a community center suddenly develops facial drooping, right arm weakness, and slurred speech. What should the nurse do first?
1Give oral aspirin immediately.
2Ask the client to rest quietly for 30 minutes.
3Offer orange juice in case the client is hypoglycemic.
4Activate emergency medical services and note the time symptoms began.✓ Correct answer
Explanation
Facial droop, arm weakness, and speech difficulty are stroke warning signs. The nurse should activate emergency response and determine the time last known well or symptom onset. Oral intake or medications should wait until emergency evaluation and swallowing safety are addressed.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment Stroke care is time-dependent; rapid activation preserves treatment options.
Memory Tip Face, arm, speech, time.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide Stroke warning education emphasizes sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and calling emergency services.
Caution Do not give oral medication or fluid before swallowing safety is known.
Key concepts
FAST — A stroke warning acronym for face, arm, speech, and time.
Last Known Well — The last time a person was known to be without stroke symptoms.
Thrombolytic Therapy — Time-sensitive medication therapy that may be used for selected ischemic strokes.