If a patient shows signs of a stroke, what should the nurse do immediately?

If a patient shows signs of a stroke, what should the nurse do immediately?

• A. Provide oxygen and wait for another nurse
• B. Call emergency services immediately
• C. Administer aspirin
• D. Conduct a full neurological assessment

Answer: (B)

When a patient exhibits signs of a stroke, it is critical to call emergency services immediately because timely intervention is essential for minimizing brain damage and improving outcomes. Strokes are medical emergencies, and the faster the patient receives specialized care, the better the chances of recovery. Calling emergency services ensures that the patient can be transported to a medical facility where appropriate acute stroke therapies, such as clot-busting medications, can be administered quickly. Administering oxygen might be a part of treatment, but it is not the first action a nurse should take before ensuring that emergency medical services are on their way. Aspirin is generally not recommended in the acute phase of a suspected stroke, particularly if it is a hemorrhagic stroke, as it could exacerbate bleeding. Conducting a full neurological assessment is important for understanding the severity and specifics of the situation, but it should take place alongside calling for help, not before. Therefore, engaging emergency services is the priority in this scenario.

When a patient exhibits signs of a stroke, it is critical to call emergency services immediately because timely intervention is essential for minimizing brain damage and improving outcomes. Strokes are medical emergencies, and the faster the patient receives specialized care, the better the chances of recovery. Calling emergency services ensures that the patient can be transported to a medical facility where appropriate acute stroke therapies, such as clot-busting medications, can be administered quickly.

Administering oxygen might be a part of treatment, but it is not the first action a nurse should take before ensuring that emergency medical services are on their way. Aspirin is generally not recommended in the acute phase of a suspected stroke, particularly if it is a hemorrhagic stroke, as it could exacerbate bleeding. Conducting a full neurological assessment is important for understanding the severity and specifics of the situation, but it should take place alongside calling for help, not before. Therefore, engaging emergency services is the priority in this scenario.