Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Clinical Workflow and Patient IntakeHard
A patient calls the office reporting sudden onset of slurred speech and right-sided arm weakness that began 15 minutes ago. What is the most appropriate telephone triage action?
- ASchedule a same-day appointment for later in the afternoon
- BInstruct the patient to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately
- CRecommend an over-the-counter pain reliever and monitor symptoms overnight
- DAdvise the patient to take aspirin and rest, then call back if symptoms persist
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Instruct the patient to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately
Sudden slurred speech and unilateral weakness are classic signs of a possible stroke, a time-sensitive medical emergency. Telephone triage protocols require instructing the caller to activate emergency medical services immediately rather than scheduling an appointment or recommending self-care.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A same-day appointment delays care needed for a time-critical emergency.
- C. Recommending overnight monitoring dangerously delays care for a potential stroke.
- D. Advising aspirin without professional evaluation is inappropriate and could delay emergency treatment.
Emergency Telephone Triage
The process of assessing a caller's symptoms by phone to determine the urgency of needed care, escalating to emergency services when life- or function-threatening signs are present.
- Stroke signs: sudden weakness, slurred speech, facial drooping (FAST)
- Time-sensitive symptoms require immediate 911 referral
- Never delay emergency referral for scheduling or self-care advice
Memory trick: 'FAST symptoms mean call fast—dial 911.'