In CPSS evaluation, which sign is observed by asking the patient to smile?

In CPSS evaluation, which sign is observed by asking the patient to smile?

• A. Arm drift
• B. Facial droop
• C. Time to call 911
• D. Speech

Answer: (B)

In CPSS, you quickly screen for stroke by checking three signs that reflect facial, arm, and speech function. To assess facial weakness, you ask the patient to smile. If one side of the face shows reduced movement or droops compared with the other side, that is facial droop, indicating possible motor deficit from a stroke. This is the sign you observe specifically when directing the patient to smile. Arm drift is checked by having the patient hold both arms straight out and palms up to see if one drifts downward; speech is evaluated by asking the patient to say a simple sentence. Time to call 911 isn’t a sign itself—it's the action you take based on the presence of any stroke signs.

In CPSS, you quickly screen for stroke by checking three signs that reflect facial, arm, and speech function. To assess facial weakness, you ask the patient to smile. If one side of the face shows reduced movement or droops compared with the other side, that is facial droop, indicating possible motor deficit from a stroke. This is the sign you observe specifically when directing the patient to smile.

Arm drift is checked by having the patient hold both arms straight out and palms up to see if one drifts downward; speech is evaluated by asking the patient to say a simple sentence. Time to call 911 isn’t a sign itself—it's the action you take based on the presence of any stroke signs.