Neuro, Mobility, and Sensory Care
Level of consciousness, stroke, seizures, Parkinson disease, MS, myasthenia gravis, fractures, and sensory changes.
Topic Card
Stroke Warning Signs - "Brain attack, time matters"
Blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or bleeding. New neuro changes are urgent.
What the NCLEX Wants You to Know
- Priority: note time last known well and report/activate stroke response.
- Common trap: giving food or fluids before swallow screening.
Causes
- Clot blocking blood flow
- Bleeding in the brain
- Atrial fibrillation
- Hypertension
- Diabetes or smoking history
Signs & Symptoms by Body System
- Face/speech: facial droop, slurred speech, trouble understanding
- Movement: one-sided weakness, arm drift, trouble walking
- Vision/head: vision loss, severe sudden headache, confusion
Lab Value + Danger Zone
No single lab diagnoses stroke. Danger zone: sudden one-sided weakness, speech change, or decreased LOC.
Nursing Actions - In Priority Order
- Check airway and safety
- Note last known well time
- Perform focused neuro check per policy
- Keep NPO until swallow screen
- Report/activate stroke protocol immediately
Patient Teaching
- Use FAST: Face, Arm, Speech, Time.
- Call emergency help for sudden neuro symptoms.
Memory Trick
FAST = Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech trouble, Time to act.
NCLEX-Style Challenge
A client suddenly has slurred speech and right arm weakness. What is the priority?
Answer: Note last known well, keep safe/NPO, and activate/report possible stroke immediately.
Compare
Stroke Warning Signs - "Brain attack, time matters"
Blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or bleeding. New neuro changes are urgent.
What the NCLEX Wants You to Know
- Priority: note time last known well and report/activate stroke response.
- Common trap: giving food or fluids before swallow screening.
Causes
- Clot blocking blood flow
- Bleeding in the brain
- Atrial fibrillation
- Hypertension
- Diabetes or smoking history
Signs & Symptoms by Body System
- Face/speech: facial droop, slurred speech, trouble understanding
- Movement: one-sided weakness, arm drift, trouble walking
- Vision/head: vision loss, severe sudden headache, confusion
Lab Value + Danger Zone
No single lab diagnoses stroke. Danger zone: sudden one-sided weakness, speech change, or decreased LOC.
Nursing Actions - In Priority Order
- Check airway and safety
- Note last known well time
- Perform focused neuro check per policy
- Keep NPO until swallow screen
- Report/activate stroke protocol immediately
Patient Teaching
- Use FAST: Face, Arm, Speech, Time.
- Call emergency help for sudden neuro symptoms.
Memory Trick
FAST = Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech trouble, Time to act.
NCLEX-Style Challenge
A client suddenly has slurred speech and right arm weakness. What is the priority?
Answer: Note last known well, keep safe/NPO, and activate/report possible stroke immediately.
Rapid Review
Find "What Do I Do First?" in Under 5 Seconds
- Check airway and safety
- Note last known well time
- Perform focused neuro check per policy
Memory Trick
FAST = Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech trouble, Time to act.
Challenge Replay
A client suddenly has slurred speech and right arm weakness. What is the priority?
Answer: Note last known well, keep safe/NPO, and activate/report possible stroke immediately.