The nurse admits a patient to the emergency department with new onset of slurred speech and right-sided weakness.What is the priority nursing action?
A) Assess for the presence of a headache.
B) Assess the patient's general orientation.
C) Determine the patient's drug allergies.
D) Determine the time of symptom onset.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Early intervention for ischemic stroke is recommended.Thrombolytics must be given within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms.Although assessment of allergies,as well accompanying symptoms such as a headache and general orientation,are a part of a complete neurological assessment and should be performed,time of onset of symptoms is critical to the type of treatment.

The Nurse Admits a Patient to the Emergency Department with New