Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Neurologic disorders
NCLEX: A client with a suspected stroke has sudden slurred speech and right-sided weakness. Last known well was 45 minut…
Adult health / medical-surgical nursing Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A client with a suspected stroke has sudden slurred speech and right-sided weakness. Last known well was 45 minutes ago. What is the priority?
Question
A. Activate stroke protocol, maintain airway, obtain glucose, and prepare for rapid imaging per protocol.
B. Feed the client lunch because they report hunger.
C. Apply a heating pad to the weak extremity for comfort.
D. Wait 24 hours to see if symptoms resolve before notifying the provider.
B. Feed the client lunch because they report hunger.
C. Apply a heating pad to the weak extremity for comfort.
D. Wait 24 hours to see if symptoms resolve before notifying the provider.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Activate stroke protocol, maintain airway, obtain glucose, and prepare for rapid imaging per protocol.
Rationale: Acute stroke symptoms require immediate stroke-team activation within treatment windows; delaying notification loses time-sensitive options.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Acute stroke symptoms require immediate stroke-team activation within treatment windows; delaying notification loses time-sensitive options.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.