Stroke FAST positive — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: A — Record onset time and convey to a hyperacute stroke unit

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · E = shown as C · A = shown as D · B = shown as E

D is correct: Early stroke recognition, glucose exclusion and rapid hyperacute stroke transfer preserve reperfusion options. A is less suitable because it delays the immediate life-saving step in the cABCDE sequence; B is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; C is less suitable because analgesia is important but does not replace the first physiological intervention; E is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette. The most tempting alternative is therefore suboptimal because it either delays the time-critical pre-hospital intervention or sends the patient to the wrong level of care. The key DipIMC principle is focused cABCDE decision-making with early pre-alert, triage or retrieval escalation when the scene physiology demands it.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK; NICE guidance where applicable