A 72-year-old male arrives in the emergency department with sudden onset right-sided weakness and difficulty speaking. What should the nurse prioritize to determine the appropriate treatment plan?
Order a CT scan immediately, regardless of the patient's condition
Initiate intravenous fluids to maintain hydration
Administer aspirin as a first-line treatment for stroke
Perform a complete neurological assessment with emphasis on timing of symptoms
The priority action is to assess the patient's eligibility for thrombolytic therapy, which is time-sensitive. Strokes require rapid identification of the type (ischemic or hemorrhagic) to determine the best treatment approach. Understanding the time from symptom onset is critical, as thrombolytics can only be administered within a specific time frame after symptom onset.
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Neurological Emergencies
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