Final answer:
The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale includes the test of arm drift to assess for potential signs of a stroke. It does not involve measurement of blood pressure, distal pulses, or blood glucose levels. Rapid assessment and transport to a healthcare facility are crucial when stroke symptoms are identified.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is C:
This scale is used by healthcare professionals, especially paramedics and emergency medical technicians, to quickly assess a patient for signs of a stroke in the field. The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale consists of three components: facial droop, arm drift, and abnormal speech.
The arm drift component of the scale involves asking the patient to raise both arms in front of them at the same level and then observing if one arm begins to fall or drift downwards. This can indicate muscle weakness or lack of motor control on one side of the body, a common sign of a stroke. Importantly, the scale does not include the assessment of blood pressure, distal pulses, or blood glucose as part of its triage process.
A patient presenting with symptoms assessed by the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, such as arm drift, should be quickly transported to a hospital for further evaluation and potential treatment. In some cases, rapid intervention can be critical in mitigating the long-term effects of a stroke.