What action takes precedence when a stroke alert is called?

When a stroke alert is initiated, conducting the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) assessment takes precedence as it is a critical component of the acute stroke evaluation process. The NIHSS is a standardized tool used to assess the severity of a stroke, helping clinicians determine the type of treatment required, estimate patient prognosis, and guide decisions regarding urgent interventions such as thrombolysis or thrombectomy.

Recognizing the urgency of stroke management, the NIHSS assessment should be performed as quickly as possible after the alert. This rapid assessment provides essential information regarding the patient's neurological status, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions about the appropriate course of action.

While preparing the patient for transportation, starting documentation, and consulting with family members are all important actions that can help manage stroke care, they are secondary to the immediate need to assess the patient's condition and severity of symptoms. By prioritizing the NIHSS assessment, medical staff can ensure that any necessary treatments are initiated without delay, ultimately improving patient outcomes in acute stroke situations.