Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

A 68-year-old woman has sudden right arm weakness. What should the EMS team do next?

1. Transport immediately to the hospital

2. Obtain a blood sample

3. Conduct a Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale assessment

4. Administer oxygen therapy

The correct answer is: Conduct a Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale assessment

Conducting a Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale assessment is essential in this scenario, as it helps to quickly evaluate the patient for signs of a stroke. This specific assessment includes checking for facial droop, arm weakness, and speech difficulties, which can indicate the presence and severity of a stroke. Given that the patient is exhibiting sudden right arm weakness, this assessment will provide critical information about her neurological status and help determine the most appropriate course of action. Prompt identification of a stroke through this assessment allows EMS to make informed decisions about rapid transport to a facility equipped for stroke management, which can significantly affect the patient's outcomes. Early recognition and treatment of stroke can lead to better prognoses, especially if intervention occurs within the therapeutic window for acute treatments such as thrombolytics. Therefore, performing this assessment is crucial in this emergency situation before making further decisions about transport or other interventions.