SwipeExam Get the app

Recognizing a possible stroke

  • CNA
  • Basic Nursing Skills
  • Multiple choice
  • Difficulty 3 of 5

Question

During an afternoon conversation, a resident who usually speaks clearly suddenly has slurred speech and weakness in one arm. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Report the sudden changes to the nurse immediately.✓ Correct

    These changes can signal a stroke and need rapid attention.

  2. Wait until the next scheduled report to mention the changes.✗ Incorrect

    Delaying a report can delay emergency care.

  3. Ask the resident to nap and recheck at the end of the shift.✗ Incorrect

    Waiting for rest does not address the need for rapid help.

  4. Decide the cause and update the care plan independently.✗ Incorrect

    The aide should report observations, not diagnose or change the care plan.

Answer

A. Report the sudden changes to the nurse immediately.

Rationale

A sudden speech change together with one-sided weakness can be a warning of stroke. Rapid reporting allows the nurse to initiate an urgent response.

RememberReport sudden one-sided weakness or speech changes immediately.

Sources

Sources marked “Adapted from” are licensed under CC BY 4.0. We changed the material: its facts are rewritten into an original question, answer options and rationale. The original authors and publishers do not endorse SwipeExam.

Last verified: 2 independent automated checks Question cna-bns-00069, version 1

Checks are automated. No licensed clinician has reviewed this question. Check the sources and your program’s materials.

Report an error in this question. For education only; not medical advice. See all sources and licenses.

More CNA sample questions