Neurological Emergencies & Stroke Cares Flashcards

Which assessment tool is specifically designed to help EMTs rapidly identify a possible stroke in the field?

Answer: Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale

The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale evaluates facial droop, arm drift, and speech to detect stroke quickly.

A 68-year-old has sudden right-sided weakness and slurred speech that began 45 minutes ago. What is the EMT's top priority?

Answer: Determine exact last-known-well time and transport to a stroke center

Establishing time of onset and rapid transport to a stroke-capable facility is critical because treatment is time-dependent.

When testing for arm drift in a suspected stroke, the patient should be asked to:

Answer: Close their eyes and hold both arms out straight for 10 seconds

Arm drift is assessed by having the patient extend both arms with eyes closed to detect a unilateral downward drift.

Which finding would NOT be part of the FAST stroke screening mnemonic?

Answer: Fever

FAST stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time — fever is not a component.

A patient with a suspected stroke is found with a blood glucose of 38 mg/dL. The EMT should suspect that:

Answer: Hypoglycemia may be mimicking stroke symptoms

Hypoglycemia is a common stroke mimic and must be corrected and reassessed.

Why should EMTs avoid giving anything by mouth to a suspected stroke patient?

Answer: Impaired swallowing increases aspiration risk

Strokes can impair the gag and swallow reflexes, making aspiration of oral intake likely.

A stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel bleeding into the brain is classified as:

Answer: Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke results from rupture and bleeding of a cerebral vessel.