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Acute Stroke Recognition (FAST) — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Time is brain — note onset

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Physiological Adaptation 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Acute Stroke Recognition (FAST) on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Fast

Key facts

Face droop, Arm drift
Speech slurred, Time to call

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Do

Nursing actions

Note LAST KNOWN WELL time
Stat non-contrast CT head
Check glucose, swallow screen

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Tpa

Key facts

tPA window ≤ 3-4.5h ischemic
Rule out bleed FIRST

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Avoid

Key facts

No food/fluids till swallow OK
tPA if hemorrhagic stroke

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Quick Tip

FAST stands for Facial droop, Arm drift/weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911 immediately.

📖 Related Topics

Hypokalemia Hyperkalemia Hyponatremia Heart Failure

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