The nurse is caring for a client who reports a sudden, severe facial numbness. The nurse observes an uneven smile with facial droop to the right side and a hand grasp strength that is weaker on the right than the left. The client denies a recent history of headaches or trauma. Which intervention should the nurse perform immediately?

Choice A rationale While maintaining elevated positioning of the dependent joints on the affected side can be helpful in certain conditions such as edema or injury, it is not the immediate intervention needed for a client presenting with sudden, severe facial numbness, uneven smile with facial droop to the right side, and a hand grasp strength that is weaker on the right than the left. Choice B rationale Verifying prescribed laboratory tests including prothrombin time and platelet count is important in assessing the client’s coagulation status. However, it is not the immediate intervention needed in this situation. Choice C rationale The client’s symptoms are suggestive of a stroke. In such cases, immediate medical intervention is crucial. Starting two large-bore IV catheters and reviewing inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is an appropriate immediate intervention. Choice D rationale Administering aspirin can be beneficial in preventing further clot formation and platelet clumping in clients at risk of a stroke. However, it is not the immediate intervention needed in this situation.