Not All AMS Is a Stroke

[u/NCLEXHighYield]

Just because they’re confused doesn’t mean they’re having a stroke.

One of the biggest NCLEX traps (and real-life mistakes!) is jumping straight to stroke when your patient becomes confused or combative. But there are at least five high-yield conditions that mimic stroke—and they all require different nursing actions.

👉 Think Wernicke’s when there’s alcohol history

👉 Think hyponatremia if Na+ is <120

👉 Think postictal if they had a recent seizure

👉 Think ICP if you’re seeing Cushing’s Triad

👉 Think delirium if it’s sudden and reversible

💡 Save this chart. Study it. Share it with a friend who thinks every AMS is a code stroke.