Which statement about the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale is NOT true?

Which statement about the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale is NOT true?

• A. It includes arm drift assessment.
• B. It predicts a 72% probability of stroke if one abnormal sign is found.
• C. It tests facial droop by smiling.
• D. It requires imaging to confirm a stroke.

Answer: (D)

The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale is a fast screening tool EMS uses to flag possible stroke based on three signs: facial droop (test by asking the person to smile), arm drift (extend both arms forward and watch for drift), and speech abnormalities (listen to clear speech or ask them to repeat a simple phrase). A positive screen means at least one abnormal sign is found, which prompts rapid transport to a stroke-capable facility. Importantly, this tool does not rely on imaging to determine if a stroke is present—the imaging to confirm stroke occurs later in the hospital, not in the field. So the statement that the scale requires imaging to confirm a stroke is not true. The other parts are accurate: arm drift is included, facial droop is tested by smiling, and the scale has about 72% sensitivity, meaning it will be positive in roughly three-quarters of actual stroke cases.

The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale is a fast screening tool EMS uses to flag possible stroke based on three signs: facial droop (test by asking the person to smile), arm drift (extend both arms forward and watch for drift), and speech abnormalities (listen to clear speech or ask them to repeat a simple phrase). A positive screen means at least one abnormal sign is found, which prompts rapid transport to a stroke-capable facility. Importantly, this tool does not rely on imaging to determine if a stroke is present—the imaging to confirm stroke occurs later in the hospital, not in the field. So the statement that the scale requires imaging to confirm a stroke is not true. The other parts are accurate: arm drift is included, facial droop is tested by smiling, and the scale has about 72% sensitivity, meaning it will be positive in roughly three-quarters of actual stroke cases.