Final answer:
When suspecting a stroke, evaluate for facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties using FAST; rapid response can enable timely treatment with clot-busting drugs, critical to patient recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
When attending to a patient who you suspect might be experiencing an embolic event such as an ischemic stroke, it is critical to pay attention to certain signs and move quickly. Using the mnemonic FAST can help you remember the key symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call for emergency help. Specifically, you should observe the patient's ability to move facial muscles, check if they can raise both arms, and listen for any changes or slurring in their speech. Recognizing these signs promptly may enable treatment with clot-busting drugs within the critical window of 3 to 4 hours, potentially preventing permanent brain damage and saving the patient's life.