Which signs indicate a possible stroke and require urgent action by a nurse?

• A. Facial droop
• B. Arm weakness
• C. Speech difficulty
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Recognizing stroke symptoms quickly is crucial because fast treatment can limit brain damage. Facial droop happens when one side of the face sags or is uneven when the person smiles. Have the person smile and look for a noticeable asymmetry. Arm weakness shows up when both arms are raised; if one arm drifts downward or cannot be held up, that’s a warning sign. Speech difficulty includes slurred speech, trouble finding words, or being unable to follow simple commands. If any one or a combination of these signs is present, treat it as a potential stroke and act immediately.

What the nurse should do right away is activate emergency medical services and notify the supervising nurse so that the stroke protocol can be launched and the patient transported to the hospital quickly. Safely position the patient, ideally on their side if they are at risk of vomiting or swallowing problems, and monitor vital signs. Do not give food, drink, or medication by mouth until evaluated. Document the onset time of symptoms and relay this information to the EMS team and the receiving facility. Early evaluation and treatment are time-sensitive and can significantly affect outcomes.