NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which components are assessed in the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale?

1. Facial droop and arm drift

2. Speech and mobility

3. Coordination and balance

4. Vision and hearing

The correct answer is: Facial droop and arm drift

The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale is a clinical tool used by emergency responders to identify potential stroke patients. It focuses on three key components that are indicative of a stroke: facial droop, arm drift, and speech. Facial droop involves evaluating whether one side of the face droops compared to the other when the patient is asked to smile. Arm drift assesses the strength and control of arm movement; the patient is instructed to hold both arms out in front of them, and any noticeable drift of one arm downward indicates a problem. Speech is evaluated by having the patient repeat a simple phrase, checking for slurred or inappropriate words. These three components are crucial in recognizing the signs of a stroke, specifically an ischemic one, which is time-sensitive and requires rapid intervention. The other options do not align with the components outlined in the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, as coordination and balance, as well as vision and hearing, are not part of the direct assessment for stroke recognition in this scale.