The PMHNP is evaluating a 72-year-old patient with a history of ischemic stroke. The patient has difficulty finding words and trouble with activities such as brushing her teeth. Which part of her brain was most likely affected by the stroke?

Choice A reason: The right hemisphere primarily governs spatial awareness, attention, and nonverbal processing. Difficulty with language and motor planning is less likely to result from right-sided lesions. Choice B reason: The left hemisphere typically controls language and fine motor planning, especially in right-handed individuals. Difficulty with word-finding (aphasia) and daily activities (apraxia) suggests involvement of the left hemisphere, consistent with this patient’s deficits. Choice C reason: The brainstem controls basic vital functions, cranial nerves, and motor/sensory pathways but is not the primary center for language or fine motor planning. Choice D reason: The cerebellum coordinates movement, balance, and motor learning. Cerebellar lesions typically produce ataxia, dysmetria, and tremor, but not language deficits or apraxia.