A 92-year-old patient has had a stroke. The right side of the patient's face is drooping. What other assessment finding might the nurse suspect?

Cerebrovascular accidents involving the middle cerebral artery frequently result in contralateral hemiplegia and facial paresis. Damage to the corticobulbar tract impairs the motor control of the oropharyngeal muscles and the tongue. This neuromuscular deficit compromises the deglutition reflex, creating a high risk for pulmonary aspiration of oral contents. Sensory and motor loss often coexist. A. Epistaxis: This term refers to acute hemorrhage from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx, usually due to vascular rupture in Kiesselbach's plexus. While hypertensive patients are at risk for both stroke and nosebleeds, epistaxis is not a direct result of the facial nerve palsy seen in stroke. B. Xerostomia: Dry mouth results from decreased salivary production, often due to medications, dehydration, or Sjögren syndrome. While a stroke can affect the autonomic innervation of salivary glands, it is not the most immediate or common assessment finding associated with visible facial drooping and motor weakness. C. Dysphagia: Facial drooping in a stroke patient indicates weakness of the muscles used for chewing and swallowing. This impaired swallowing function, or dysphagia, is a critical concern as it can lead to choking or silent aspiration. The nurse must assess gag reflexes and coordinate a swallow study. D. Rhinorrhea: This is the free discharge of thin nasal mucus, commonly associated with allergic rhinitis or viral infections. It is an inflammatory or infectious response of the nasal mucosa. It does not have a direct pathophysiological link to the motor deficits or facial droop following an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.