Final answer:
The abnormal finding when using the Cincinnati Stroke Scale is an absent gag reflex, which is not part of the FAST mnemonic used in this scale for stroke assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
An abnormal finding when using the Cincinnati Stroke Scale to assess a patient who presents with signs of a stroke is d) Absent gag reflex. The Cincinnati Stroke Scale incorporates the FAST mnemonic, which includes facial droop (F), arm weakness (A), and slurred speech (S), but does not include a gag reflex assessment. A gag reflex is typically assessed during a more comprehensive neurologic examination and while its absence may be associated with a brainstem stroke, it is not part of the standard Cincinnati Stroke Scale evaluation. In the context of the FAST mnemonic, F stands for droopy face, A stands for arm weakness, and S stands for slurry speech, and T stands for time to call 911. These are key and rapid assessments to help identify a potential stroke.