The BEFAST mnemonic is used to recognize stroke symptoms. Which of the following components are included?

• A. Breathing, Eyes, Face, Arm
• B. Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time
• C. Balance, Eyes, Feet, Fist
• D. Bleeding, Eyes, Face, Time

Answer: (B)

BEFAST helps you spot stroke fast by focusing on six warning signs and the urgency to act. Balance or coordination problems can indicate a brain issue; sudden vision changes in one or both eyes point to eye involvement; facial droop shows facial nerve weakness; arm weakness or drift reveals motor weakness; speech disturbances or trouble understanding signal a language center problem; and Time reminds you to call emergency services immediately because every minute counts for treatment.

The best option lists Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time exactly as BEFAST defines them, so it matches the mnemonic precisely. Other choices include signs not part of the BEFAST checklist (like Breathing, Feet, Fist, or Bleeding) or omit one or more BEFAST elements, which is why they don’t fit.