The 76-year-old patient with atrial fibrillation tells the nurse in a slurred voice that the right arm “just isn’t working right.” Which action does the nurse take first?

Ask the patient to smile. The patient may be experiencing a stroke. The nurse first assesses for facial symmetry as this is a quick and simple assessment that requires no equipment and directs further action. Once the nurse determines the patient's facial symmetry, the rapid response team can be activated and the patient's vitals can be obtained. Instructing the patient to touch the finger to the nose is not helpful in the immediate assessment of a stroke.

The 76-year-old patient with atrial fibrillation tells the n...

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Management of Care
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Category: Management of Care
Difficulty: 4

Topics: Crisis Management Neurology Assessment Cardiovascular Delegation, Prioritization and Leadership Intracranial Regulation

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