Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has homonymous hemianopsia as a result of a stroke. To reduce the risk of falls when ambulating, the nurse should provide which of the following instructions to the client?

a. Use a cane for added stability.

b. Focus on the unaffected side while walking.

c. Walk with hands extended forward to feel for obstacles.

d. Turn the head quickly to scan the environment.

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the patient with homonymous hemianopsia to turn the head to scan the environment to reduce the risk of falls when ambulating.

Step-by-step explanation:

To reduce the risk of falls when ambulating for a client who has homonymous hemianopsia as a result of a stroke, the nurse should instruct the patient to turn the head to scan the environment. This helps compensate for the lost visual field by allowing the client to gain a full view of the surroundings, thus minimising potential hazards. It's crucial for the nurse to educate the patient on safe ambulation techniques and to ensure a safe environment to prevent falls.