Final answer:
The likely cause of the technician's symptoms is a stroke, specifically an ischemic stroke. It is characterized by disrupted blood flow to the brain and can result in weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking and understanding, and damage to language centers in the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The likely cause of the technician's sudden weakness on the right side of her body, along with trouble speaking and understanding simple statements, is a stroke. A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either due to a blockage or bleeding. In this case, the symptoms suggest an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain. This blockage can lead to loss of movement, sensation, and speech abilities on one side of the body.
Additionally, the symptoms of having trouble understanding and speaking simple statements can be attributed to damage to the language centers of the brain. In this case, the right side of the brain is affected, which can result in difficulty understanding figurative aspects of speech and nonverbal aspects of communication, such as facial expressions or body language.
Immediate medical attention is necessary in cases of stroke, as timely treatment can help minimize long-term damage and improve outcomes.