Using the NIH Stroke Scale to assess stroke patients. The NINDS rt-PA Stroke Study Group.

The stroke patient is acutely ill within minutes of symptom onset. Typically, he or she is awake and thus requires a focal neurologic exam to evaluate vision, movement, sensation and language. With the advent of acute stroke treatments that need to be rapidly implemented, it is critical that the nurse be able to assess patients and relay the information accurately and efficiently to other members of the health care team.