What does FAST stand for in stroke assessment?

What does FAST stand for in stroke assessment?

• A. Face, Arms, Speech, Time
• B. Face, Actions, Speech, Time
• C. Fingers, Arms, Speech, Tempo
• D. Face, Arms, Speed, Time

Answer: (A)

FAST is a quick screen used to identify possible stroke and prompt urgent action. It stands for: - Face: check if one side of the face droops when the person smiles. - Arms: ask the person to raise both arms; one arm may drift downward. - Speech: listen for slurred or strange speech or difficulty speaking. - Time: if any of these signs are present, it's time to call emergency services immediately and note when symptoms started. Why this matters: strokes respond best to rapid treatment, so recognizing these common signs quickly and acting fast can save brain tissue and improve outcomes. Other wordings don’t match the established mnemonic used in most stroke awareness guidelines, which is why they aren’t the best fit for this question.

FAST is a quick screen used to identify possible stroke and prompt urgent action. It stands for:

• Face: check if one side of the face droops when the person smiles.

• Arms: ask the person to raise both arms; one arm may drift downward.

• Speech: listen for slurred or strange speech or difficulty speaking.

• Time: if any of these signs are present, it's time to call emergency services immediately and note when symptoms started.

Why this matters: strokes respond best to rapid treatment, so recognizing these common signs quickly and acting fast can save brain tissue and improve outcomes.

Other wordings don’t match the established mnemonic used in most stroke awareness guidelines, which is why they aren’t the best fit for this question.