Which nursing action is appropriate after assessing a client's motor functions post-stroke?

Which nursing action is appropriate after assessing a client's motor functions post-stroke?

• A. Notify the physician immediately
• B. Provide physical therapy exercises
• C. Check the patient's vital signs
• D. Perform neuro checks regularly

Answer: (D)

Performing neurological checks regularly is an essential nursing action following an assessment of a client’s motor functions post-stroke. This practice helps to monitor the client’s neurological status over time, allowing the healthcare team to identify any changes or deterioration in the patient's condition promptly. Regular neuro checks can provide critical information about the effectiveness of treatments and assist in early detection of complications, which is vital in the management of stroke patients who may experience fluctuations in their motor functions or other neurological indicators. On the other hand, notifying the physician immediately may not always be necessary unless there is a significant change or emergency situation. While providing physical therapy exercises is important for rehabilitation, it should be initiated based on a comprehensive assessment and a prescribed plan by the physical therapist rather than being implemented immediately post-assessment. Checking vital signs is also crucial but may not directly relate to the assessment of motor functions specifically; instead, it serves to monitor general health status and detect other issues. Therefore, the focus on performing regular neuro checks is the most appropriate action in this context.

Performing neurological checks regularly is an essential nursing action following an assessment of a client’s motor functions post-stroke. This practice helps to monitor the client’s neurological status over time, allowing the healthcare team to identify any changes or deterioration in the patient's condition promptly. Regular neuro checks can provide critical information about the effectiveness of treatments and assist in early detection of complications, which is vital in the management of stroke patients who may experience fluctuations in their motor functions or other neurological indicators.

On the other hand, notifying the physician immediately may not always be necessary unless there is a significant change or emergency situation. While providing physical therapy exercises is important for rehabilitation, it should be initiated based on a comprehensive assessment and a prescribed plan by the physical therapist rather than being implemented immediately post-assessment. Checking vital signs is also crucial but may not directly relate to the assessment of motor functions specifically; instead, it serves to monitor general health status and detect other issues. Therefore, the focus on performing regular neuro checks is the most appropriate action in this context.