Nursing: neuro assessment + escalation playbook (stroke unit)
Standardizes neuro checks, what to watch for, and escalation triggers for acute stroke patients; includes handoff language templates
ClinicianClinicianAdvanced15 minClinical (pro)
Educational only
Clinical education only — follow local stroke order sets and escalation pathways.
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For acute neurologic change (new weakness, aphasia, decreased LOC, severe headache, seizure): activate your unit’s emergency escalation/stroke alert pathway immediately and document last known well time.
What you'll learn
- Standardize neuro checks and documentation
- Recognize red-flag changes
- Escalate quickly using clear communication
What to assess (high level)
- Level of consciousness
- Speech/language
- Motor strength
- Pupils/vision
- New headache/vomiting
Escalation triggers
- Any acute change from baseline
- Airway/breathing concerns
- Seizure
- Severe headache + neuro decline
Communication template
- What changed
- When it started
- Vitals/glucose
- Relevant meds (anticoagulants)
Practice check
Check your understanding
A few untimed questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback, then continue to the next lesson.
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