STROKE ASSESSMENT
Altered level of consciousness/mental status.
Altered GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale),
Hypertensive patient (usually with diastolic > 100 mmHg),
One-sided weakness (including facial asymmetry),
Slurred speech, Headache (sudden/severe),
Neurological deficits (weakness, gaze to one side, asymmetric pupils), Vomiting,
Neck pain,
Arm (Pronator) drift
ASPIRIN (ASA) FOR CHEST PAIN/CARDIAC ISCHEMIA
Indications: pt. with own ASA and chest pain consistent with cardiac origin who is awake and alert
Do Not Give (Contraindications): known ASA allergy, hx of bleeding disorder or recent GI bleeding (including ulcers), hx of asthma and nasal polyps, hx unreliable or unobtainable, pt’s ASA if expired or obviously deteriorated
Procedure:
-
ALS unit enroute, complete assessment (including med hx, meds, allergies),
-
02 therapy,
-
Ask if ASA already taken (including how much and when) and document this
-
If not contraindicated, assist pt in chewing or swallowing four baby ASA (81 mg each) or one 325 mg tabs,
-
Update V/S every 5 min. and document ASA given and give detailed report to ALS unit on arrival.
Document: Complete assessment and V/S, Description of need to assist pt. w/ ASA, Time for ASA admin and brand name of ASA taken