Stroke Quiz: Can You Recognize It FAST?

1. A patient exhibits right-sided weakness and expressive aphasia. Which cerebral hemisphere is affected?

Right hemisphere

Left hemisphere

Brainstem

Cerebellum

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5. Which assessment finding indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP) post-stroke?

Pupil constriction bilaterally

Decreasing level of consciousness and unequal pupils

Increased heart rate only

Fever without focal neurological signs

6. A post-stroke patient develops shoulder pain on the affected side. What is this complication called?

Spasticity

Hemiplegic shoulder pain or subluxation

Contracture

Frozen shoulder syndrome

7. Which of the following correctly describes a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?

Permanent neurological deficit lasting days

Temporary neurological symptoms resolving within 24 hours

Hemorrhagic bleeding in the brain

Progressive cognitive decline

8. During the acute phase of stroke, head elevation should be maintained at which angle?

Flat, 0 degrees

15-30 degrees

45-60 degrees

90 degrees upright

9. A patient with atrial fibrillation has increased stroke risk. Which medication is commonly prescribed for prevention?

Metoprolol only

Warfarin or direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)

Aspirin 81 mg daily

Clopidogrel monotherapy

10. What is the primary goal of antiplatelet therapy in acute ischemic stroke prevention?

Dissolve existing clots

Prevent platelet aggregation and clot formation

Increase cerebral blood flow

Lower intracranial pressure

11. Which component of the FAST assessment evaluates facial symmetry during a stroke?

Ask the patient to smile and check for drooping

Test grip strength in both hands

Assess pupil response to light

Measure blood pressure in both arms

12. Which vital sign is most critical to monitor immediately after acute stroke onset?

Temperature only

Blood pressure and oxygen saturation

Respiratory rate only

Pulse regularity only

13. A patient post-stroke develops sudden difficulty swallowing. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Offer small sips of water

Place NPO status and notify the provider for swallow evaluation

Administer soft diet foods

Encourage oral hygiene

14. Which artery occlusion typically results in middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke?

Anterior cerebral artery

Posterior cerebral artery

Supplies the lateral cerebral hemisphere

Vertebral artery

15. A patient with acute ischemic stroke is receiving alteplase (tPA). Which complication requires immediate intervention?

Mild headache

Sudden severe headache and neurological deterioration

Transient arm numbness

Slight elevation in blood glucose

16. Which imaging modality is the first-line diagnostic tool to differentiate ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke?

MRI of the brain

CT scan of the head without contrast

Carotid ultrasound

Transcranial Doppler

17. The 'T' in the FAST acronym stands for which assessment?

Temperature check

Time of symptom onset

Tongue deviation

Test pupil reactivity

18. A 58-year-old patient presents with slurred speech and facial drooping. What time-critical intervention window applies to thrombolytic therapy?

Within 1 hour of symptom onset

Within 3 hours of symptom onset

Within 6 hours of symptom onset

Within 12 hours of symptom onset

19. Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for ischemic stroke?

Age over 65

Hypertension

Family history of stroke

Male gender

20. A patient arrives at the ED with sudden onset weakness in the left arm and leg. What is the priority nursing action?

Obtain a stat CT scan of the head

Establish IV access and notify the provider immediately

Administer aspirin 325 mg orally

Ask the family about recent medications