Stroke & Altered Mental Status Flashcards
What are some signs and symptoms of a stroke?
o Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, an arm or a leg. Usually, weakness or numbness occurs only on one side of the body.
o Difficulty with speech (trouble speaking and being understood, and difficulty understanding others)
o Blurred or dimmed vision
o Sudden, severe headache, dizziness or confusion
o Loss of balance or coordination
o Trouble walking
o Ringing in the ears
If the person shows any signs or symptoms of stroke, time is critical. The objective is to recognize a possible stroke and summon more advanced medical personnel immediately. There are several treatments that can be administered in the hospital setting that can limit the long-term effects of a stroke, but they are time-limited. Every minute matters
To identify and care for a victim of a stroke, use a stroke screening scale: Think FAST. Use the FAST mnemonic to help you remember how to care for a victim of stroke. What does FAST stand for?
FAST stands for Face, Arm, Speech, and Time.
o Face: Weakness on one side of the victim’s face. Ask the person to smile. This will show if there is drooping or weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. Does one side of the face droop? o Arm: Weakness or numbness in one arm. Ask the victim to raise both arms in front of them self to find out if there is weakness in the limbs. Does one arm drift downward?
o Speech: Slurred speech or trouble speaking. Ask the person to speak a simple sentence, and then listen for slurred or distorted speech. Example: “The sky is blue.” Can the victim repeat the sentence correctly and clearly?
o Time: Time to summon more advanced medical personnel if any one of these signs or symptoms are seen. Note the time of onset of signs and symptoms, and summon more advanced medical personnel immediately. If the possible stroke is unwitnessed, try to find out the time the victim was last known to be well and free of signs and symptoms of a stroke.
How would you describe an altered mental status?
Altered mental status, which can result from many causes, is one of the most common medical emergencies. It is often characterized by a sudden or gradual change in a person’s Level of Consciousness (LOC).
o LOC is defined as a person’s state of awareness, ranging from being fully alert to unconscious; also referred to as mental status.
o Altered mental status includes drowsiness, confusion and partial or complete loss of consciousness.
