What is the priority nursing intervention when caring for a client suspected of having a stroke?

Performing a neurological assessment is the priority nursing intervention for a client suspected of having a stroke because it provides critical information about the patient's condition and the severity of the stroke. This assessment helps determine the extent of neurological deficits, guiding further management and treatment decisions. Identifying signs such as unilateral weakness, speech difficulties, or altered consciousness can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and the urgency of interventions needed.

While reassuring the client about their condition is important for emotional support, it does not directly address the immediate physiological needs of a patient suspected of having a stroke. Initiating oxygen therapy is crucial in situations where hypoxia is present, but it is not the first step without assessing the patient's neurological status. Contacting the healthcare provider is also essential for further management, but before that, the nurse must gather vital information that will influence medical decisions. Thus, the neurological assessment is fundamental in the initial approach to stroke management.