Question

A nurse on a med-surg unit is assessing a client who has had a stroke. For which of the following findings should the nurse initiate a referral for occupational therapy?

A. Difficulty swallowing
B. Impaired short-term memory
C. Muscle weakness
D. Limited range of motion

Answer 1

A nurse should refer a stroke patient to occupational therapy if the patient exhibits muscle weakness or limited range of motion, as occupational therapy assists in improving daily living activities and fine motor skills.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse on a med-surg unit assessing a client who has had a stroke should initiate a referral for occupational therapy if the client demonstrates difficulty with activities of daily living, which can include muscle weakness (C) and limited range of motion (D). Occupational therapy focuses on improving fine motor skills and the ability to perform tasks related to personal care and daily activities, which could be impaired following a stroke. Difficulty swallowing (A) often requires a referral to a speech therapist who is trained in managing dysphagia, a common post-stroke condition. Impaired short-term memory (B) may require cognitive therapy or a neuropsychology consult rather than occupational therapy.