Stroke Recognition and Response Flashcards

A bystander notices a coworker's mouth drooping on one side while smiling. Which letter of the FAST acronym does this represent?

Answer: Face

Facial drooping on one side corresponds to the 'F' (Face) in the FAST stroke-recognition acronym.

When testing for arm weakness in a suspected stroke, what should you ask the person to do?

Answer: Raise both arms and hold them up

Asking the person to raise both arms reveals one-sided drift or weakness common in stroke.

A person suddenly has trouble speaking and their words sound slurred. Which BE-FAST element is affected?

Answer: Speech

Slurred or garbled words indicate a problem with Speech, the 'S' in FAST/BE-FAST.

Why is the 'T' (Time) in FAST considered the most critical step?

Answer: It signals you to call 911 immediately because treatment is time-sensitive

Time stresses calling 911 right away because stroke treatments are most effective within a narrow window.

The expanded BE-FAST acronym adds 'B' and 'E.' What do these letters stand for?

Answer: Balance and Eyes

BE-FAST adds Balance (sudden dizziness/loss of coordination) and Eyes (sudden vision changes).

A person passes the smile test but cannot repeat the simple phrase 'The sky is blue.' What is the appropriate action?

Answer: Call 911 because any FAST sign warrants emergency care

Any single positive FAST sign, such as speech difficulty, requires immediate emergency response.

Approximately how often should a layperson rescuer perform the FAST check on a suspected stroke victim before help arrives?

Answer: Continuously monitor and note symptom changes

Continuously monitoring the person allows you to report symptom changes and timing to arriving responders.