Which Rapid Arterial Occlusion Score would prompt you to take a patient to a stroke hospital?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of the Rapid Arterial Occlusion Score (RAOS), which is a tool used to assess the likelihood of large vessel occlusion stroke in patients presenting with stroke symptoms. The scoring system helps emergency medical services (EMS) and healthcare providers determine the urgency of transportation to a specialized stroke center.

A score of 1 indicates the presence of a mild or limited neurological deficit that suggests a low probability of significant arterial occlusion. In this context, such a score might still warrant assessment but typically wouldn't necessitate immediate transport to a stroke center, as the risk of critical occlusion is lower.

As scores increase, with higher values indicating more significant neurological deficits and an increased likelihood of major occlusion, the rationale for prompt transport to a stroke hospital becomes stronger. A score of 2 or higher generally indicates greater clinical concern for a stroke, particularly a large vessel occlusion, thus justifying elevated priority for transfer to a facility capable of advanced stroke care.

Therefore, the appropriate response to the question hinges on recognizing the importance of the scoring system in guiding transport decisions. A score of 1 would not sufficiently indicate the need for immediate advanced stroke care, while scores of 2 and above would suggest a necessity