Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

Which sign is a notable indicator of stroke?

1. Skin on the face turning pale

2. Slurred speech

3. High blood pressure

4. Nausea and vomiting

The correct answer is: Slurred speech

Slurred speech is a notable indicator of a stroke due to its strong association with the neurological impairments that occur during this medical emergency. When a stroke happens, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, leading to damage in the areas responsible for speech and language. Patients may struggle with the clarity of their speech, making words difficult to pronounce or stringing sentences together coherently. This symptom, often evaluated through the FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time), is a critical sign that helps bystanders and medical responders recognize the urgency of the situation and seek immediate assistance. The other options, while they may be associated with various medical conditions or symptoms, do not provide the same clear, strong link to the occurrence of a stroke. For instance, facial skin turning pale can happen for various reasons unrelated to a stroke, such as dehydration or shock. High blood pressure is a common finding in many health conditions and does not specifically indicate a stroke. Nausea and vomiting can also arise from numerous causes, adding further ambiguity rather than serving as a direct stroke indicator. Thus, slurred speech stands out as a specific and critical symptom in the identification of a stroke.