# A client at a community center suddenly develops facial drooping, right arm weakness, and slurred speech. What should the nurse do first?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394055&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Changes in Vital Signs  
> category: ROR

## Question

A client at a community center suddenly develops facial drooping, right arm weakness, and slurred speech. What should the nurse do first?

## Option

1. Give oral aspirin immediately.
2. Ask the client to rest quietly for 30 minutes.
3. Offer orange juice in case the client is hypoglycemic.
4. Activate emergency medical services and note the time symptoms began. **✔ Correct answer**

**Correct answer: 4**

## 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.

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