When assessing a patient for possible stroke symptoms using the BE FAST acronym, what does the letter “F” represent, and why is it important?
Fatigue – a common sign of neurological decline.
Fever – checking for elevated temperature.
Feet – assessing balance and walking ability.
Face – observing facial drooping/facial asymmetry.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Fatigue is not part of BE FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time) and is nonspecific, not a primary stroke sign. Facial drooping is critical. Assuming fatigue risks missing urgent stroke symptoms, delaying thrombolytic therapy, essential for minimizing brain damage within the critical time window.
Choice B reason: Fever is not in BE FAST and is not a primary stroke indicator, though it may occur later. Facial asymmetry is a key sign. Assuming fever misdirects assessment, risking delayed stroke recognition, critical for initiating rapid interventions like tPA to restore cerebral perfusion and reduce disability.
Choice C reason: Feet (balance) aligns with “B” in BE FAST, not “F,” which represents facial drooping. Misidentifying this risks confusing stroke assessment, potentially delaying recognition of facial asymmetry, a hallmark sign, critical for prompt stroke intervention to minimize neurological damage and improve patient outcomes.
Choice D reason: In BE FAST, “F” stands for face, assessing facial drooping or asymmetry, a common stroke sign due to cranial nerve VII involvement. It’s critical for rapid identification, enabling timely interventions like thrombolytics within 4.5 hours, minimizing brain damage and improving recovery chances in acute ischemic stroke patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Head protrusions are not expected in older adults; they may indicate abnormal growths or trauma, requiring investigation. Thinning hair is a normal aging change. Assuming protrusions are expected risks missing serious conditions like tumors, delaying diagnosis and treatment critical for ensuring safety in elderly patients.
Choice B reason: Asymmetry of facial features is not a normal aging variation; it may suggest stroke or Bell’s palsy, needing urgent evaluation. Thinning hair is expected due to hormonal changes. Assuming asymmetry is normal risks overlooking neurological issues, delaying interventions critical for older adults’ health and functional outcomes.
Choice C reason: Thinning hair is an expected aging variation, resulting from reduced hair follicle activity and hormonal changes in older adults. Unlike vertigo or asymmetry, it’s benign and doesn’t require intervention unless cosmetic. Recognizing this ensures accurate assessment, focusing on abnormal findings like vertigo that need medical attention in elderly patients.
Choice D reason: Vertigo is not an expected aging variation; it may indicate inner ear disorders or neurological issues, requiring evaluation. Thinning hair is a normal change. Assuming vertigo is expected risks delaying diagnosis of treatable conditions like BPPV, compromising safety and quality of life in older adults.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A blood pressure of 90/80 mmHg is below normal, indicating hypotension, especially with a low systolic value. Normal adult blood pressure, per guidelines, is around 120/80 mmHg. Low readings may suggest dehydration or cardiovascular issues, requiring evaluation, making this choice incorrect.
Choice B reason: A reading of 95/60 mmHg is hypotensive, with both systolic and diastolic values below normal ranges. Normal blood pressure is approximately 120/80 mmHg, per American Heart Association guidelines. Such low readings may indicate shock or autonomic dysfunction, rendering this choice incorrect.
Choice C reason: A blood pressure of 180/60 mmHg is abnormal, with elevated systolic pressure indicating hypertension and a low diastolic value suggesting possible aortic regurgitation. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. This reading requires urgent assessment, making it an incorrect choice for normal adult values.
Choice D reason: A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is considered normal for adults, per current guidelines like those from the American Heart Association. It reflects balanced systolic and diastolic pressures, indicating healthy cardiovascular function without signs of hypertension or hypotension, making it the correct choice.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.