An adult client is admitted to the nursing unit with a medical diagnosis of Acute Stroke. The client does not respond to verbal stimuli. In this situation, what is the best action by the nurse to provoke a client response?

A. While pressure on the TM joint could stimulate a response, it is not the most appropriate method for provocation of a response in an unconscious or semiconscious client. B. This action can be used to assess for painful stimuli, but pressing on the sternum is a more effective method for provoking a response in non-responding clients. C. Applying firm pressure to the sternum, or sternal rub, is an effective technique to stimulate a response from clients who are non-responsive to verbal stimuli. D. While shaking might be used for awakening a client, it is not as reliable or effective as a sternal rub when assessing neurological response in acute stroke patients.