What important information should you check when assessing a person with a suspected stroke?

When assessing a person with a suspected stroke, one of the most critical pieces of information to check is the time of the last normal state. This timing is essential because it directly influences medical decision-making and treatment options.

Stroke treatments, particularly those that involve clot-busting medications or therapies, are highly time-sensitive. For instance, certain interventions are most effective when administered within a specific timeframe from the onset of symptoms. Knowing when the person was last seen normal helps medical professionals determine eligibility for treatments that can significantly mitigate brain damage and improve outcomes.

While the other aspects, such as speech articulation and history of past strokes, can provide valuable context and support a more comprehensive assessment, they do not have the same immediate impact on the urgent management and treatment strategies necessary for a suspected stroke patient. Understanding the time of the last normal state allows first responders to prioritize care effectively.