California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What should a nursing assistant do if a patient demonstrates difficulty using their affected arm after a stroke?

1. Assist them without asking for their input

2. Encourage them to keep the arm immobilized

3. Provide adaptive devices to promote independence

4. Limit activity to prevent injury

The correct answer is: Provide adaptive devices to promote independence

Providing adaptive devices to promote independence is crucial for a patient recovering from a stroke. After a stroke, patients often experience weakness or loss of function in one side of their body, which can significantly impact their ability to perform daily activities. By offering adaptive devices, nursing assistants can help individuals use their affected arm more effectively, fostering a sense of autonomy and boosting their confidence as they work towards regaining function. Adaptive devices can include tools that aid in gripping, stabilizing, or moving the affected arm, all of which can help the patient participate in tasks they may otherwise find challenging. This approach aligns with the principles of rehabilitation and encourages patients to engage in their recovery process actively. It is essential for nursing assistants to empower patients by providing support that builds their skills rather than restricting their activities or making decisions for them. The focus should be on enhancing the patient's ability to perform tasks independently, which is a fundamental goal of rehabilitation in healthcare settings.