Which CPSS item is evaluated when you ask a potential stroke patient to smile?

Which CPSS item is evaluated when you ask a potential stroke patient to smile?

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

Answer: (D)

Smiling checks facial nerve function by looking for facial droop. When you ask the patient to smile, you’re comparing both sides of the face for symmetry. Stroke can cause weakness on one side, which shows up as droop or uneven movement, so this task directly assesses facial droop. In the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, facial droop is one of the three quick checks used to screen for stroke. The other checks test arm drift and speech, not facial appearance, and calling 911 is an action you take after recognizing potential stroke, not a CPSS task. So, smiling to look for droop is the best fit.

Smiling checks facial nerve function by looking for facial droop. When you ask the patient to smile, you’re comparing both sides of the face for symmetry. Stroke can cause weakness on one side, which shows up as droop or uneven movement, so this task directly assesses facial droop. In the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, facial droop is one of the three quick checks used to screen for stroke. The other checks test arm drift and speech, not facial appearance, and calling 911 is an action you take after recognizing potential stroke, not a CPSS task. So, smiling to look for droop is the best fit.