What should be assessed in a patient with suspected stroke?

• A. Blood glucose level and stroke alert screen
• B. Brain imaging tests
• C. Temperature and pulse
• D. Blood pressure and cholesterol

Answer: (A)

When stroke is suspected, the most urgent step is rapid assessment to rule out conditions that can mimic stroke and to fast-track treatment. Checking blood glucose right away is essential because abnormal glucose levels can imitate stroke symptoms and influence treatment decisions; correcting any hypoglycemia or extreme dysglycemia is a crucial first action. At the same time, activating a stroke alert screen helps the team mobilize the necessary resources—imaging, labs, and specialists—to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Imaging is indeed critical to confirm stroke and determine its type, but the immediate priority in the initial assessment is metabolic status and initiating the fast-track protocol. While temperature and pulse, or blood pressure and cholesterol, are important parts of overall care, they do not drive the same time-critical decisions as glucose assessment and a stroke alert activation.