Final answer:
A CT scan is the urgent imaging study to order for an 82-year-old male with sudden dysarthria and RUE weakness, to rule out a stroke, before initiating treatments like aspirin therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
An 82-year-old male presenting with sudden dysarthria and right upper extremity (RUE) weakness likely needs an immediate imaging study to rule out a stroke or other acute neurological events. The time of onset being at 8 am and his arrival at the emergency department (ED) at 11 am falls within a critical window where prompt diagnosis and treatment can majorly affect outcomes. The most appropriate imaging study to order STAT would be a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head, which is a rapid and effective test to evaluate for an acute stroke, especially a hemorrhagic stroke. This imaging is critical before initiating treatments like clot-busting agents, which are contraindicated in hemorrhagic strokes.
If the CT scan is negative for hemorrhage, further assessment for ischemic stroke with advanced imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT angiography might be indicated. Starting aspirin therapy could be advisable, but only after a hemorrhagic stroke has been ruled out by the CT scan, as it can worsen bleeding in the case of a hemorrhagic event. Immediate action, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are essential in managing the condition and preventing further neurological damage.