Which ESI level applies to a patient with facial droop, suspected of having a stroke?

In the context of Emergency Severity Index (ESI) triage, a patient presenting with facial droop and suspected of having a stroke is classified as ESI Level 2, which indicates a high risk of deterioration. This classification is essential as it highlights the urgency of the situation.

Patients with signs of a stroke, such as facial droop, often require rapid assessment and intervention to prevent potential complications, such as long-term disability or death. Time is critical in these scenarios due to the nature of stroke management—specifically that certain treatments, such as thrombolysis, are time-dependent and most effective when administered within a specific window after the onset of symptoms.

By categorizing this patient as high risk, healthcare providers are prompted to prioritize their care, ensuring that the necessary evaluations (like immediate neurological assessment) and treatments are initiated without delay. Therefore, ESI Level 2 marks the severity of the situation and the need for prompt medical intervention.