Which quick screen is used on board to assess for stroke?

Which quick screen is used on board to assess for stroke?

• A. BEFAST
• B. PQRST
• C. FAST
• D. ABCDEs

Answer: (C)

Stroke can progress quickly, so a fast, easy screen that checks for the most common signs is essential. This screen focuses on three key deficits that suggest a potential stroke: facial weakness, arm weakness, and speech difficulty, with an urgent call to action based on when symptoms started. Face: ask the person to smile or show teeth. If one side of the face droops or looks uneven, that indicates possible facial weakness from a stroke. Arms: have the person extend both arms straight out with palms up. If one arm drifts downward or cannot keep position, that points to weakness on one side. Speech: ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Slurred, garbled, or odd speech suggests language trouble from a stroke. Time is critical: if you observe any of these signs, treat it as a possible stroke and activate emergency services immediately, noting when symptoms began. Rapid transport to appropriate stroke care can greatly influence treatment options and outcomes. Other acronyms address different situations or expand the checklist (for example, adding balance or vision changes, or focusing on pain assessment or trauma basics), but the quick onboard screen for stroke centers on these three domains plus timely action.

Stroke can progress quickly, so a fast, easy screen that checks for the most common signs is essential. This screen focuses on three key deficits that suggest a potential stroke: facial weakness, arm weakness, and speech difficulty, with an urgent call to action based on when symptoms started.

Face: ask the person to smile or show teeth. If one side of the face droops or looks uneven, that indicates possible facial weakness from a stroke.

Arms: have the person extend both arms straight out with palms up. If one arm drifts downward or cannot keep position, that points to weakness on one side.

Speech: ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Slurred, garbled, or odd speech suggests language trouble from a stroke.

Time is critical: if you observe any of these signs, treat it as a possible stroke and activate emergency services immediately, noting when symptoms began. Rapid transport to appropriate stroke care can greatly influence treatment options and outcomes.

Other acronyms address different situations or expand the checklist (for example, adding balance or vision changes, or focusing on pain assessment or trauma basics), but the quick onboard screen for stroke centers on these three domains plus timely action.