The nursing student is caring for a client who had a brain attack (stroke) with right-sided paralysis several weeks ago and has difficulties expressing his thoughts when he talks. The nursing student should:

Question

A) complete the client's sentence when he pauses.
B) anticipate what the client wants and ignore what he says.
C) allow time for the client to finish talking before trying to figure out what it is he is trying to express.
D) ask the client to write down what it is he wants.

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
The client may be able to express himself when given ample time. If the client becomes frustrated, the nurse may help by asking simple yes and no questions to discover what the client is trying to communicate. The client will become more frustrated if the student tries to complete his sentences or ignores his attempt to communicate. Providing a means to write down the thoughts will not help after a stroke because the brain injury will also impair written communication. If the client is right handed, the client will not be able to even try to write since his right side is paralyzed.