Final answer:
In assisting a resident with a weak left side, they should be helped to get up on their stronger side, which is the right side. This aids in providing better support and balance. The right side should be used to leverage the resident's remaining strength and facilitate safer movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a resident has a weak left side, the best practice is to assist them in getting up on their stronger side, which in this case would be the right side. This is because utilizing the stronger side can provide better support and balance when transitioning from a lying to a standing position, possibly avoiding falls or additional strain on the weakened side.
When considering muscle strength testing or observing signs of a cortical or upper motor neuron (UMN) lesion, you might witness lateral differences in strength, as seen when a patient can push against resistance with one arm but not the other. Identifying which side is stronger helps determine the side they should get up on. In cases of strokes or other conditions resulting in UMN lesions, asymmetrical strength or difficulty maintaining certain positions, like in the pronator drift test, can guide this decision.
The FAST mnemonic is also related when dealing with stroke patients, as it helps to quickly identify neurological deficits such as facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and the urgency of time in seeking professional help.