A nurse is caring for a client who recently experienced a left-hemisphere stroke. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Poor judgment: Poor judgment is more commonly associated with right-hemisphere strokes due to impaired insight and spatial-perceptual deficits. It is less typical in clients with left-hemisphere strokes. B. Left-sided weakness: Left-sided weakness results from right-hemisphere strokes because each hemisphere controls motor function on the opposite side of the body. A left-hemisphere stroke usually affects the right side. C. Aphasia: The left hemisphere typically controls language, including speech and comprehension. A stroke in this area can result in expressive, receptive, or global aphasia, which is a hallmark finding in left-hemisphere strokes. D. Impulsiveness: Impulsivity is more commonly seen in right-hemisphere strokes due to poor judgment, lack of awareness of deficits, and spatial-perceptual difficulties. It is not a primary characteristic of left-hemisphere strokes.