A nurse is caring for a client who had a right sided stroke and is exhibiting homonymous hemianopsia when eating. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Encourage the use of wide grip utensils.
B.
Remind the client to look for food on the left side of the tray.
C.
Provide a nonskid mat to alleviate plate movement.
D.
Encourage the client to use his right hand when feeding himself.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Remind the client to look for food on the left side of the tray.
Explanation:
Homonymous hemianopsia is a condition characterized by the loss of half of the field of vision on the same side in both eyes. In the case of a right-sided stroke, the client may have left homonymous hemianopsia, meaning they cannot see objects on their left side. This presents a significant challenge during activities like eating, as the client may be unaware that food is present in their left visual field.
Encouraging the client to look for food on the left side of the tray (Option B) directly addresses the visual deficit. By reminding the client to actively search for food on the affected side, the nurse can help facilitate better eating habits and increase the client’s independence and self-feeding ability. This is a crucial adaptive strategy, as clients with visual field deficits often benefit from environmental modifications and reminders to compensate for their impairments.
Other options are less effective:
- A. Encourage the use of wide grip utensils: While this may help with grip strength and control, it does not directly address the visual field deficit.
- C. Provide a nonskid mat to alleviate plate movement: This can help prevent spills and maintain the position of the plate but does not assist with the visual challenge posed by hemianopsia.
- D. Encourage the client to use his right hand when feeding himself: This option does not consider the potential neglect of the left side. Using the right hand may not help if the client cannot see the food on the left side of the tray.
In summary, reminding the client to look for food on the left side promotes awareness and maximizes their ability to consume food independently, which is essential for rehabilitation and quality of life following a stroke.