Which action is part of the immediate management of a suspected stroke?

• A. Check airway and breathing
• B. Start CPR on all patients
• C. Delay calling emergency services
• D. Give insulin

Answer: (A)

Immediate management of a suspected stroke centers on securing the airway and ensuring adequate breathing. The brain depends on a steady supply of oxygen, and stroke symptoms can worsen quickly if breathing is compromised or the airway becomes obstructed, so checking that the airway is open and the person is breathing well is the first critical step. If breathing is inadequate, provide appropriate support and call for emergency help without delay; time is crucial in stroke treatment. The other options don’t fit this immediate priority: CPR is only indicated if the person is truly unresponsive and not breathing normally, delaying emergency services wastes valuable minutes, and giving insulin is not part of acute stroke management unless there is a known glucose issue that has already been evaluated. Checking airway and breathing addresses the immediate need to protect brain oxygenation in a suspected stroke.