Case Steven Q1: It’s a typical busy Saturday afternoon in the emergency department when a 68-year-old male patient is brought in by his wife. The patient presents with a history of acute onset right-sided weakness, which is severe in his hand and mild in his leg. He also has slurred speech, which started one hour ago while he was having lunch with his family. You are the doctor who must assess the patient promptly. What are your first steps in assessing this patient?

Correct answer is C: Immediately perform a rapid assessment using the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), check vital signs, and ensure IV access while preparing for an urgent CT scan of the head. In a patient with acute onset of right-sided weakness and slurred speech, the first steps are critical for the timely diagnosis and treatment of a potential stroke. Rapid Assessment with NIHSS: The NIH Stroke Scale is a systematic tool that helps quantify the severity of the stroke and guides further management. Check Vital Signs: Monitoring vital signs ensures that any immediate life-threatening conditions, such as severe hypertension or hypotension, are identified and managed promptly. Ensure IV Access: IV access is crucial for administering medications, including potential thrombolytic therapy if the patient is a candidate. Urgent CT Scan of the Head: A non-contrast CT scan of the head is essential to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, guiding appropriate treatment decisions.