Question

the call: an unknown medical problem
read the scenario. then, in the space provided, answer the questions that follow.
the emergency medical dispatcher sends you to an \unknown medical problem.\ upon your arrival the patients granddaughter leads you and your partner into her living room. you observe a female patient, in her late 60s or early 70s, sitting on the sofa.
the patient appears to be confused, and her speech is slurred. you perform an assessment and determine that she has a facial droop. when you attempt to evaluate arm drift, the patient is unable to raise her right arm. the granddaughter tells you that she was visiting and that these signs came on suddenly. you ask what specific time this happened.
you update the incoming ambulance with the patient information that you now have and continue to take a sample history and another set of vital signs as your partner initiates emergency care.

1. what condition do these signs and symptoms suggest?
2. what is the emergency care for this patient?

Explanation:

1. The patient's symptoms (confusion, slurred speech, facial droop, inability to raise arm, sudden onset) are classic signs of a stroke.
2. Emergency care for a stroke patient includes ensuring airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs), monitoring vital signs, not giving anything by mouth (in case of swallowing issues), and transporting to a hospital with stroke - treatment capabilities (like a stroke - ready hospital for possible thrombolytic therapy if within the time window).

Answer:

1. Stroke
2. Ensure ABCs, monitor vital signs, do not give anything by mouth, and transport to a stroke - capable hospital.