What is the priority nursing intervention for a client with stroke who is transitioned from ED to other settings?

For a client with a stroke transitioning from the Emergency Department (ED) to other settings, assessing the level of consciousness becomes the priority nursing intervention. This assessment is critical because it provides immediate information regarding the patient's neurological status and helps identify any changes or deterioration that may indicate complications or the need for urgent medical intervention.

During the acute phase of stroke care, monitoring the level of consciousness can indicate the effectiveness of initial treatments, the progression of the stroke, or the onset of any new neurological deficits. It is essential to establish a baseline level of consciousness as well, which can be used for comparison in future assessments. Identifying fluctuations in consciousness allows nurses to respond promptly to issues such as increased intracranial pressure or stroke evolution, ensuring that timely interventions can be implemented.

While monitoring heart rate is important, it is typically not as critical as assessing neurological status in the context of stroke care. Providing emotional support is also vital, but it comes after the immediate health and safety concerns. Checking medication compliance is relevant for ongoing care, but it is not as urgent as assessing consciousness right after a stroke, when acute monitoring is key.