Treat Stroke
Important Information
Strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptured depriving brain tissue of oxygen
You could consider a stroke similar to a heart attack but relevant to the brain (brain attack) which is a clog in the brain as opposed to a clog in the heart
There are methods for unclogging strokes in a hospital emergency room so Alert EMS immediately for a suspected stroke patient
Patients having a stroke may complain of or have signs of numbness, paralysis or weakness of the face, arm or leg, often just one side and they may have trouble speaking; They may complain of a severe, unexplained headache or decreased vision in one or both eyes
Treat a stroke as a medical emergency; Follow primary care procedures
Patient Care; Stroke
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STOP - Assess and observe the scene
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THINK - Consider your safety and form action plan
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ACT - Check responsiveness, look for a medical alert tag and Alert EMS
FAST - Stroke Warning Signs
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Face: facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
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Arm: does it show weakness? - can the person raise both arms?
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Speech: problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
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Time: time to call EMS
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Perform a primary assessment and monitor the patient's Cycle of Care AB-CABS
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For a responsive patient, conduct an illness assessment; Reassure the patient if they have difficulty speaking, and ask 'yes' or 'no' questions
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Help the patient into a comfortable position and continue to monitor the patient's Cycle of Care until EMS arrives