A nurse approaches a hospitalized poststroke patient from the patient's left side to do an assessment. The patient is staring straight ahead, and does not respond to the nurse's presence or voice. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should walk to the other side of the bed and approach the patient from the right side. Poststroke patients may have neglect syndrome, which can cause them to ignore stimuli on one side of their body. By approaching from the neglected side (the right side in this case), the nurse may be able to better capture the patient's attention and engage them in the assessment process. It is essential to adapt care to accommodate the patient's condition and ensure effective communication and interaction.