Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Excel in Your Exam!

The acronym FAST is a critical mnemonic used to help recognize the signs of a stroke efficiently and encourages timely medical intervention. The correct expansion of FAST includes facial asymmetry, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and the importance of acting quickly by calling emergency services.

Facial asymmetry refers to one side of the face drooping or appearing different than the other, which is a classic sign of a stroke. This visual symptom can be assessed by asking the person to smile or show their teeth. Arm weakness involves checking whether one arm drifts downward when both arms are raised, indicating weakness on one side of the body. Speech difficulties may manifest as slurred speech or difficulty finding words, reflecting the potential impact of a stroke on the brain areas responsible for communication. Recognizing these symptoms early and understanding the need to call for help immediately can greatly improve outcomes for individuals experiencing a stroke.

The other options deviate from the accurate depiction of the signs associated with stroke recognition. For example, terms like "face fading" or "time to rest" are not pertinent to stroke identification and response, which emphasizes the urgency of medical assistance instead.