What is one of the first actions during the assessment of an acute stroke or CVA?

Applying oxygen if needed is indeed one of the first actions during the assessment of an acute stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA). When a patient presents with signs of a potential stroke, ensuring adequate oxygenation is crucial. Stroke can interfere with the brain’s blood and oxygen supply, so monitoring and addressing the patient’s oxygen levels can significantly impact outcomes. If the patient exhibits signs of respiratory distress or has low oxygen saturation, supplemental oxygen can help prevent further brain damage.

In addition, administering medications or conducting a thorough physical examination typically requires more confirmation regarding the patient's condition and setup, which can follow after initial stabilization measures like oxygen application. Initiating CPR is only necessary if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, clearly indicating a cardiac arrest situation rather than a stroke. Thus, ensuring proper oxygenation forms a fundamental step in the acute management of stroke patients.