A 68-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of right-sided weakness and slurred speech. The symptoms started 45 minutes ago. What is the most appropriate initial action?
Order an MRI of the brain
Activate the stroke protocol
Administer aspirin 325 mg
Obtain vital signs
The correct answer is to activate the stroke protocol. In a patient presenting with sudden onset of neurological deficits suggestive of stroke, time is critical. The stroke protocol should be activated immediately to ensure rapid assessment, imaging, and potential treatment. This typically includes expedited CT scan, lab work, and evaluation for thrombolytic therapy if the patient is within the treatment window. While obtaining vital signs and performing a neurological exam are important, they should be done concurrently with activating the stroke protocol. Administering aspirin is not appropriate as the initial action, as it may be contraindicated if the stroke is hemorrhagic, which hasn't been ruled out yet. Similarly, ordering an MRI is not the first step, as it takes longer than a CT scan and may delay potential time-sensitive treatments.
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