Question

If you suspect a person is having a stroke, what tasks should you ask them to perform for initial assessment?

a) Recite the alphabet backward
b) Touch their toes
c) Smile and raise both arms
d) Count backward from 100 by sevens

Answer 1

To assess if someone is having a stroke, use the FAST mnemonic: Face (check for facial weakness), Arms (check if one arm drifts downward), Speech (listen for slurring or difficulty), and Time (call for emergency help if any symptoms are present).

Step-by-step explanation:

If you suspect a person is having a stroke, you should quickly perform an initial assessment using the FAST mnemonic which stands for: Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Check if the person has difficulty moving face muscles and making regular facial expressions, which may present as an uneven smile. Ask them to raise their arms to see if one arm drifts downward. Observe their speech to check for slurring or difficulty speaking. If any of these signs are present, it is time to call for emergency help immediately. The specifics of the FAST mnemonic help identify critical symptoms of a stroke that can aid in timely treatment and potentially improve recovery outcomes.