Question

The "FAST" check is a quick way of checking for signs of a stroke: Face. Ask the person to smile. Is there weakness or drooping on one side of the face? Arm. Ask the person to raise both arms. Is there weakness or drooping of one of the arms? Speech. Ask the person to say a simple sentence or phrase. Does the person have trouble speaking, or is her speech slurred? Time. If the person has difficulty performing any of these actions or shows other signs of stroke, call for help immed iately. Prompt medical attention may reduce the amount of disability the person experiences as a result of the stroke. If you think that a person is having a stroke, follow your employer's procedure for calling for help. Stay with the person and provide reassurance until help arrives. Monitor the person's breathing and check for any changes in his/her condition. If the person is drooling or has trouble swallowing, place him/her on one side to keep the airway clear. Note when the person's symptoms started. This is important information to report because some of the medications used to treat stroke are only effective within 3 hours after the onset of symptoms. Case Study: You are concerned about the numbness and weakness Mrs. Smith is reporting on her left side. You do the "FAST" test with Mrs. Smith and see that she is not able to raise her left arm. You suspect that Mrs. Smith has had a stroke, and decide to call 9-1-1 per your employer's policy. Then you call Mrs. Smith's daughter. What information should you be ready to give the emergency services dispatcher? waiting for the What care will you provide to Mrs. Smith while you are ambulance to arrive?

Answer 1

Stroke

Stroke is a condition characterised by the loss of brain function arising when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted.

Information should be given to the emergency service dispatcher: Information regarding Mrs. Smith, her present condition ,vital signs, the time Mrs. Smith reported about the weekness and the report on ' FAST' test, its results, Smith's inability to raise the left arm.

Emergency care for Mrs. Smith , before Medical service arrives: ( Immediately call the emergency medical service person(911).

* Monitor patient's breathing pattern, make sure that airway is clear

* In case of drooling saliva or vomiting, make the patient in side lying position( right side) with the head and shoulders slightly raised with support and let the saliva or vomitus come out.

* Provide comfortable position to Mrs. Smith and supporting her left hand with a pillow. Avoid unnecessary movement of the left side or arm.

* loose tight clothing to ease breathing.Do not give anything orally.

* be calm and reassure the patient

* Cover them with a sheet or blanket.

Explain the condition and all necessary informations to the emergency medical team.