A nurse is caring for a patient who has left hemiparesis after a stroke. To avoid the risk of disuse syndrome, the nurse should do which of the following? 

Explanation

• The nurse should assist with passive and active ROM and with using boots to prevent foot drop.

• Use of boots (foot positioning aids) can reduce the risk of foot drop.

• Passive and active ROM (as tolerated) of the affected areas will help the patient to preserve function and mobility.

• The patient should be encouraged to use the weak side (which is the left, not the right) for ADLs as much as tolerated to promote a return to function.

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