Question

The nurse is providing information about strokes to a community group. Which of the following would the nurse identify as the primary initial symptoms of an ischemic stroke?

a) Footdrop and external hip rotation
b) Vomiting and seizures
c) Severe headache and early change in level of consciousness
d) Weakness on one side of the body and difficulty with speech

Answer 1

The nurse would identify weakness on one side of the body and difficulty with speech as the primary initial symptoms of an ischemic stroke.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary initial symptoms of an ischemic stroke that a nurse would identify to a community group are weakness on one side of the body and difficulty with speech. These symptoms align with the FAST mnemonic used to help recognize a stroke, standing for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.

In an ischemic stroke, which is the loss of blood flow to an area of the brain due to blocked or narrowed vessels, symptoms can include headache, muscle weakness or paralysis, speech disturbances, sensory problems, memory loss, and confusion.