Question

Your patient has had a right-sided CVA. On which side do you expect weakness?

a) Right side
b) Left side
c) Both sides equally
d) No weakness expected

Answer 1

Weakness is expected on the left side of the body if a patient has a right-sided CVA, due to the brain's contralateral control. The occurrence of hemiparesis aligns with these expectations. Michael's symptoms, including a stiff neck and hemiparesis, necessitate further medical testing to determine the cause.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient has had a right-sided Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), commonly known as a stroke, you would expect to find weakness on the left side of their body. This condition is known as hemiparesis. The reason for this is because the brain's right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, and vice versa. Therefore, when a CVA occurs on the right side of the brain, the motor control for the left side can be affected which leads to left-sided weakness.

Michael's worsening condition, including a stiff neck and hemiparesis, is concerning and warrants further testing by the physician. These symptoms could suggest that an infection is spreading or indicate other neurological complications that need immediate attention.