# A client arrives 45 minutes after sudden right-sided weakness and aphasia. Blood glucose is 96 mg/dL and blood pressure is 178/96 mm Hg. Complete the statement.

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> language: en  
> subject: Medical Emergencies  
> category: PA

## Question

A client arrives 45 minutes after sudden right-sided weakness and aphasia. Blood glucose is 96 mg/dL and blood pressure is 178/96 mm Hg. Complete the statement.

The nurse should prioritize ::선택::rapid stroke pathway activation, last-known-well confirmation, and emergent brain imagingroutine outpatient neurology referralwalking the client to assess endurancewaiting for family to arrive before triage and avoid ::선택::oral fluids or medicationscontinuous cardiac monitoringneurologic reassessmentoxygen if hypoxemic until swallowing is screened.

## Explanation

Sudden aphasia and unilateral weakness within 45 minutes require immediate stroke-pathway activation, last-known-well confirmation, rapid neurologic assessment, and emergent brain imaging to distinguish hemorrhage from ischemia. The stroke team evaluates eligibility for IV thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy without avoidable delay. Keep the client NPO and withhold oral fluids and medications until dysphagia screening reduces aspiration risk; continuous monitoring and repeated neurologic assessment continue during the workup.

## In-depth explanation

Correct Answer
Activate the stroke pathway, confirm last-known-well, obtain emergent imaging, and avoid oral fluids or medications until swallowing is screened.

Why It Fits
Aphasia and unilateral weakness are sudden focal deficits. Normal glucose removes a common mimic, and arrival 45 minutes after onset makes every avoidable delay clinically important.

Clinical Picture
The pathway runs on two tracks at once: brain imaging determines hemorrhage versus ischemia and vessel status, while airway, monitoring, and aspiration precautions protect the client during reperfusion evaluation.

Memory Link
Time known, glucose checked, imaging now, nothing by mouth until swallow safety is assessed.

NCLEX Rule
Do not wait for family, outpatient consultation, or a walking trial. Rapid imaging and stroke-team evaluation come first; the team then determines IV thrombolysis and thrombectomy eligibility.

Why the Alternatives Fail
Outpatient referral and endurance testing delay reperfusion assessment. Oral intake before screening can cause aspiration. Cardiac monitoring, neurologic reassessment, and oxygen for hypoxemia remain appropriate and therefore are not the action to avoid.

Source
12026 AHA/ASA acute ischemic stroke guideline

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
Sudden focal neurologic deficits 45 minutes after onset require immediate stroke-system activation, last-known-well confirmation, glucose assessment, neurologic scoring, and emergent brain and vascular imaging.

Caution
Keep the client NPO until dysphagia screening; do not delay imaging or reperfusion evaluation while waiting for family.

## Key concepts

- **Aphasia** — Impaired language expression or comprehension.
- **Last Known Well** — The time the client was last known to be without stroke symptoms.
- **Swallow Screen** — A safety screen to reduce aspiration risk after stroke.

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