In the field, what does the FAST assessment help identify?

In the field, what does the FAST assessment help identify?

• A. Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to call EMS.
• B. Fever, anxiety, sweating, tremor.
• C. Fasting status and blood glucose.
• D. Full neurological exam in all patients.

Answer: (A)

FAST is a quick screen used in the field to spot a potential stroke by focusing on sudden, focal brain deficits. You look for facial droop when the person smiles, arm weakness or drift when both arms are held out, and speech difficulties such as slurred or abnormal speech. The Time element isn’t a symptom but a directive to act immediately—activate EMS right away and note the onset time or last known well, because treatment windows depend on rapid transport. The other options don’t fit because fever, anxiety, sweating, and tremor point to different conditions; fasting status and blood glucose relate to metabolic issues like hypoglycemia; and a full neurological exam in the field isn’t a quick, practical stroke screen.

FAST is a quick screen used in the field to spot a potential stroke by focusing on sudden, focal brain deficits. You look for facial droop when the person smiles, arm weakness or drift when both arms are held out, and speech difficulties such as slurred or abnormal speech. The Time element isn’t a symptom but a directive to act immediately—activate EMS right away and note the onset time or last known well, because treatment windows depend on rapid transport. The other options don’t fit because fever, anxiety, sweating, and tremor point to different conditions; fasting status and blood glucose relate to metabolic issues like hypoglycemia; and a full neurological exam in the field isn’t a quick, practical stroke screen.