A nurse is planning care for a client who has had a recent cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care to decrease the client's risk for footdrop?

Rationale: A. Elevate the extremity above the heart: Elevating the affected limb is primarily used to reduce edema and improve venous return, not to prevent contractures or maintain joint alignment. While elevation can support circulation, it does not provide the structural support necessary to prevent footdrop in a client post-CVA. B. Use padded splints: Padded foot or ankle splints help maintain the foot in a neutral or dorsiflexed position, preventing plantar flexion and the development of footdrop. After a cerebrovascular accident, muscle weakness and spasticity can lead to permanent contractures if the foot remains plantar flexed. Splints provide continuous support, reduce strain on tendons, and preserve functional mobility. C. Reposition the client every 2 hr: Frequent repositioning is important for preventing pressure injuries and promoting skin integrity but does not specifically prevent footdrop. While movement supports overall musculoskeletal health, targeted interventions such as splints or range-of-motion exercises are required to maintain ankle alignment. D. Apply a sequential compression device: Sequential compression devices are used to promote venous return and prevent deep vein thrombosis in immobile clients. They do not influence joint positioning or muscle length and therefore do not prevent footdrop following a CVA.