Question

The nurse is doing an initial assessment on a patient recently admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The patient has difficulty copying a figure that the nurse has drawn. The nurse uses this technique to assess for what type of aphasia?

Answer 1

The nurse assesses for receptive aphasia, which impairs the ability to comprehend language, by evaluating if a patient who experienced a CVA can copy a figure, indicating potential brain damage in language processing areas.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse assessing a patient who has difficulty copying a figure to evaluate for aphasia is likely testing for receptive aphasia. This type of aphasia is characterized by the loss of the ability to understand language that is heard or seen.

In the context of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke, this type of assessment is crucial for determining the area and extent of brain damage, particularly in language processing areas.

Difficulty in copying a figure suggests a disconnect between visual reception and language comprehension, which is a hallmark of receptive aphasia, often linked to damage in Wernicke's area.