For a client with a left-sided stroke, from which side should the nurse approach the patient?

For a client with a left-sided stroke, from which side should the nurse approach the patient?

• A. From the left side.
• B. From the right side.
• C. From the foot of the bed.
• D. From behind the patient.

Answer: (A)

A left-sided stroke often leaves the right side of the body weakened or paralyzed. Because you want to work from the side that is not affected, approaching from the left side lets you support the weaker right side more safely and makes it easier to communicate, cue, and assist with transfers or repositioning. Standing on the left also helps you stay in the patient’s field of vision and reduces the risk of injury during care. Approaching from the right side would place you closer to the weakened limb and can complicate your ability to assist and protect the patient.

A left-sided stroke often leaves the right side of the body weakened or paralyzed. Because you want to work from the side that is not affected, approaching from the left side lets you support the weaker right side more safely and makes it easier to communicate, cue, and assist with transfers or repositioning. Standing on the left also helps you stay in the patient’s field of vision and reduces the risk of injury during care. Approaching from the right side would place you closer to the weakened limb and can complicate your ability to assist and protect the patient.