A nurse is caring for a client who has had a stroke involving the right hemisphere. Which of the following alterations in function should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Right hemiparesis is not expected in a right hemispheric stroke, as this region controls the left side of the body. Right-sided weakness occurs with left hemispheric strokes. Right hemispheric strokes typically cause left hemiparesis, spatial deficits, or behavioral changes due to their role in non-dominant functions. Choice B reason: Inability to speak the first language (aphasia) is associated with left hemispheric strokes, affecting language centers like Broca’s or Wernicke’s areas. Right hemispheric strokes typically impact spatial awareness, emotional regulation, or non-verbal functions, not primary language skills, making this an unlikely alteration in this client. Choice C reason: Difficulty reading is more associated with left hemispheric strokes, which affect language processing and comprehension. Right hemispheric strokes typically cause spatial and perceptual deficits, such as neglect or visual field issues, rather than specific reading difficulties, which are tied to dominant hemisphere language functions. Choice D reason: Behavioral changes are expected in right hemispheric strokes, as this region governs emotional regulation, impulse control, and spatial perception. Clients may exhibit impulsivity, neglect of the left side, or inappropriate emotional responses due to disrupted neural pathways in the non-dominant hemisphere, affecting behavior and awareness.