When approaching a patient who has had a stroke, from which side should the nurse approach?

• A. Affected side
• B. Unaffected side
• C. From the foot of the bed
• D. From behind the headboard

Answer: (B)

In stroke care, safety and clear communication are the priorities. A patient often has weakness or paralysis on one side, and may have sensory deficits or visual field problems on that side. Approaching from the unaffected side ensures you remain in the patient’s better-functioning field, making eye contact easier, responses easier to observe, and any transfer or assistance safer. It also helps you avoid the risk of bumping or pulling at a weak limb and reduces the chance that the patient won’t notice you due to neglect or a hemianopic field deficit. That’s why the best approach is from the side that is not impaired.