Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

What is a sign that a stroke may be occurring?

1. Sudden head pain

2. The inability to speak or to speak clearly

3. Nausea and dizziness

4. Increased heart rate

The correct answer is: The inability to speak or to speak clearly

The inability to speak or to speak clearly is a classic sign that a stroke may be occurring. Strokes can disrupt the blood supply to parts of the brain responsible for language and communication, leading to sudden difficulties in expressing thoughts or understanding others. This symptom, often referred to as aphasia, along with other neurological signs, is a crucial indicator that immediate medical attention is required. Other options, while they may present in various medical situations, are not specifically recognized as direct indicators of a stroke. Sudden head pain could indicate a different medical emergency, such as a migraine or an aneurysm. Nausea and dizziness are symptoms that could arise from a range of conditions, not just strokes. An increased heart rate can also occur due to many reasons unrelated to a stroke, such as anxiety or physical exertion. Recognizing the inability to speak clearly significantly aids in identifying potential stroke cases and facilitates prompt treatment, which is essential for better outcomes.