Review Question - QID 212385

A 27-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by ambulance for dysarthria and left-sided facial droop as well as severe pain in her extremities. She just returned home an hour ago from walking the dog when suddenly the patient stated she felt “strange.” Her speech was slurred and her, "face looked funny.” The paramedic upon arrival noted that the patient had left-sided facial droop. Her medical history includes sickle cell disease. She takes hydroxyurea, oxycodone, and an albuterol inhaler. The patient’s temperature is 97°F (36.1°C), blood pressure is 145/72 mmHg, pulse is 93/min, and respirations are 14/min with an oxygen saturation of 96% on room air. On physical examination, a left-sided facial droop is appreciated. She has trouble articulating her words, and her speech is garbled. She is put on 2L of oxygen by nasal cannula. Labs are obtained and pending. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?