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?

A. Elevate the extremity above the heart is incorrect. Elevating a leg after a stroke is primarily used to reduce edema in the extremity by promoting venous return, but it does not prevent footdrop, which is caused by weakness or paralysis of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles. Elevation alone cannot maintain the ankle in a neutral position, which is necessary to prevent contractures and deformities. B. Reposition the client every 2 hr is incorrect for preventing footdrop. Regular repositioning is important to prevent pressure injuries and skin breakdown, but it does not actively maintain the ankle at a 90-degree angle or prevent plantar flexion contractures. While repositioning is part of comprehensive post-stroke care, it does not address the specific musculoskeletal issue that causes footdrop. C. Use padded splints is correct. Padded ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) or splints are designed to hold the foot in a neutral (90-degree) position while the client is in bed or seated. This prevents the foot from dropping downward into plantar flexion, which can lead to footdrop. Footdrop can impair gait, increase the risk of falls, and contribute to long-term contractures. Splints also provide gentle support without restricting circulation, allowing safe passive or active range-of-motion exercises. D. Apply a sequential compression device (SCD) is incorrect. SCDs are used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by promoting venous return from the lower extremities. While important in post-stroke care, they do not affect muscle tone or ankle positioning and therefore do not prevent footdrop.