If a nurse finds a woman with right-sided weakness and slurred speech, what is the priority action?

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In this scenario, the woman is exhibiting signs of right-sided weakness and slurred speech, which could indicate a possible stroke or another acute neurological event. The priority action is to call emergency services because timely medical intervention is critical in situations like this. A stroke can lead to significant brain damage if not treated within a certain time frame, often referred to as the "golden hour."

Calling emergency services ensures that the patient receives immediate evaluation and can be transported to a hospital where appropriate imaging and treatment can be initiated without delay. This action prioritizes the patient's safety and medical needs, allowing trained professionals to intervene as soon as possible.

While performing a neurological assessment or checking blood glucose levels may seem important, they do not take precedence over the need for urgent medical assistance in this context. Additionally, administering oxygen could be part of subsequent assessments but is not the immediate priority without establishing the cause of the symptoms. Hence, the decision to call emergency services is critical to ensure rapid access to specialized care.

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