The "S" in the F.A.S.T acronym stands for?
What is Speech
This term references when oxygen to the brain is blocked or interrupted momentarily.
What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
This term references when oxygen to the brain is blocked or interrupted for a prolonged duration.
What is a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
Why are stroke patients NPO until assessed?
What is due to increased risk of aspiration.
What part of a head-to-toe assessment will be affected in patients with left hemiplegia?
What is peripheral vascular assessment
What is neuromuscular assessment.
What LMWH is often prescribed to prevent blood clots after a stroke?
(Begins with an E)
What is Enoxaparin.
Your stroke patient begins to cough after eating and has audible adventitia upon auscultation of their lungs. What complication are you concerned about?
What is Aspiration Pneumonia
What side of the brain has been affected in right-sided hemiplegia?
the left side
Signs of a stroke may include:
Difficulty balancing/changes in gait
Slurred speech
Facial drooping
Inability to move arm
Your stroke patient suddenly cannot follow commands and is no longer speaking clearly compared to earlier in the shift. Why is this finding important?
It may indicate worsening neurological status or another stroke event and requires immediate assessment/reporting.
Your patient becomes increasingly frustrated because they cannot communicate clearly after their stroke. What is the BEST nursing response?
Remain calm, allow extra time to communicate, use simple questions/tools, and provide emotional support
Your patient with dysphagia insists they are “fine to eat.” What should the nurse do?
Maintain aspiration precautions and follow swallow assessment recommendations despite patient frustration