What should you do if you suspect a patient has a stroke?

When a stroke is suspected, the key factors in managing the situation involve a swift and accurate response, as time is critical for minimizing brain damage and optimizing recovery. The correct action is to note the time of onset of symptoms and ensure rapid transport to a facility equipped for stroke management.

Noting the time of onset is vital because it helps medical personnel determine the appropriate treatment options, especially for conditions like ischemic stroke where certain interventions, such as thrombolytic therapy, are time-sensitive. Transporting the patient to a specialized facility means they will receive the most effective care from professionals trained to handle stroke cases, which often includes imaging and potential surgical interventions.

Other options, while they may seem helpful in various circumstances, do not align with best practices for stroke management. Administering aspirin may not be appropriate without medical oversight or in situations where the stroke is hemorrhagic rather than ischemic. Keeping the patient talking can be a way to assess their condition but should not be prioritized over the immediate need for transport to a treatment facility. Encouraging the patient to drink water can pose risks, particularly if they have difficulty swallowing or are at risk of aspiration. Thus, the most critical response is to ensure rapid transport while documenting the time of symptom onset.