What to Do When a Stroke Symptoms Appear: A Guide for CNAs

When you’re working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Wisconsin, the stakes can be high. You might find yourself in situations where a resident suddenly exhibits signs of a stroke, and knowing exactly what to do can make all the difference. So, what’s the first thing you should do when you suspect a stroke?

Time is of the Essence

The correct answer here is to call for immediate medical assistance. Seriously, it’s crucial. Stroke is a time-sensitive emergency, and every second counts. If you see symptoms like facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulties, you’re looking at a red flag that requires urgent intervention. So why is it critical? Because if diagnosed and treated quickly, the risk of long-term disabilities can dramatically decrease. Think of those precious minutes like a ticking clock—each tick represents a potential loss you want to avoid.

Symptoms to Watch For

But let’s pause for a moment and consider what those symptoms really look like. What if you’re not 100% sure? It’s okay to feel a bit overwhelmed. Stroke symptoms can sometimes manifest subtly. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Facial Drooping: Does one side of their face look uneven?
• Arm Weakness: Can they raise both arms, or is one drifting down?
• Speech Difficulties: Are they slurring their words or unable to speak clearly?

When you see any of these, don’t wait around. Just dial that emergency number.

Monitoring vs. Action

Now, you might be thinking, “Shouldn't I monitor the resident closely?” Absolutely! Monitoring is important, especially to keep them comfortable until help arrives. But remember, it doesn’t replace the necessity for immediate medical evaluation. Holding back while counting beeps on your pulse oximeter may feel reassuring, but calling for help is the priority.

Horizontal Comfort

And what about keeping the resident horizontal? Sure, laying them down can be good for comfort, but here’s the catch: it’s not a substitute for professional medical input. You're in charge of the environment and providing reassurance, but leave the heavy lifting of diagnostics and interventions to the experts.

Medications Are Out of Your Hands

Another word of caution—administering medication is off-limits for CNAs in this situation. Only qualified healthcare personnel should be handling medications, especially in emergencies. There’s no room for trial and error here; the stakes are too high. Your role is about monitoring and facilitating, not injecting.

Wrap It Up

In the chaos of an emergency, feeling steady in your actions is key. You’re not just a caregiver; you’re a crucial part of a system that saves lives. So if a resident starts to exhibit stroke symptoms, remember: your best bet is to call for immediate medical assistance. By acting swiftly and clearly, you not only increase the chances of a better outcome for your resident but also reassure everyone around you that you know what you’re doing.

The next time you’re faced with a stroke emergency, you'll be ready—prepared to make the call that counts. And that’s truly what being a CNA is all about. Stay informed, stay confident, and most importantly, stay compassionate. Every action you take matters, and you can make a difference.