Cerebrovascular Accidents.

Stabilize the vital signs and monitor the heart and blood pressure (BP).Start intravenous line and administer intravenous fluid (25% normal saline at a rate of 50-75 mL/hour).Draw blood and send to the lab for complete blood count, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, platelet, chemistry profile, cardiac enzymes, and arterial blood gases.Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram.Obtain brief, but pertinent, medical and neurological history, and establish the onset and duration of stroke.Do a 5-minute neurological examination focusing on mental status, pupillary function, stiff neck, and focal neurological deficits.Consult the neurologist and stroke team at your hospital.Obtain head computed tomography (CT) scan without contrast to exclude hemorrhagic stroke or mass lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]