You have determined an alert elderly male to have garbled speech and weakness to the right arm and leg. His vital signs and SpO₂ level are within normal limits. The family informs you that he has a history of heart problems and diabetes. Which one of the following should you do immediately?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's history of heart problems and diabetes, it is important to first rule out hypoglycemia as a potential cause of his symptoms. Checking the patient's blood glucose level is an appropriate initial step. Administering oral glucose or sugar water may be appropriate if the patient's blood glucose level is low, but this should not be done without confirming hypoglycemia first. Attaching an AED is not indicated as the patient's vital signs and SpO₂ level are within normal limits. Administering high-concentration oxygen through a nonrebreather mask may also be appropriate but is not the immediate priority in this case.

You Have Determined an Alert Elderly Male to Have Garbled