In the case of a patient experiencing a stroke, which action should the nurse prioritize?

In the context of a patient experiencing a stroke, prioritizing a complete neurological assessment is crucial because it helps determine the extent of the stroke and lays the groundwork for immediate interventions. A thorough neurological assessment allows the healthcare team to identify key symptoms, such as level of consciousness, motor function, speech, and sensory functions. This information is vital for deciding on appropriate treatments, such as the administration of thrombolytics or other alternatives, and can significantly affect patient outcomes.

Early and accurate assessment enables timely identification of stroke type (ischemic vs. hemorrhagic) and helps in tailoring management strategies that are time-sensitive. Given that stroke has a limited therapeutic window during which interventions can be most effective, the nurse’s focus on a complete neurological assessment ensures that decisions can be made quickly and appropriately to improve patient care.

While actions like establishing an IV line or calling for a rapid response team are also important, they come after the initial assessment in terms of prioritization. Documenting patient history, although necessary, is less urgent than performing an assessment that will inform immediate care decisions.