Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which aspect is essential for managing elder residents recovering from strokes?

1. Monitoring medication intake

2. Managing multiple medications simultaneously

3. Monitoring nutrition from all meals

4. Promoting physical therapy compliance

The correct answer is: Promoting physical therapy compliance

Promoting physical therapy compliance is essential for managing elder residents recovering from strokes because physical therapy plays a critical role in their rehabilitation process. Stroke can lead to various physical impairments, including weakness, reduced mobility, and challenges with coordination. Engaging in a structured physical therapy program helps residents regain strength, improve balance, and enhance overall functional independence. Consistency in physical therapy can lead to noticeable improvements in a resident's ability to perform daily activities. Therapeutic exercises designed for stroke recovery not only help restore lost skills but can also facilitate neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections after injury. Encouraging compliance with physical therapy ensures that residents receive the maximum benefits from their rehabilitation efforts, significantly aiding their recovery and quality of life. While monitoring medication intake, managing medications, and monitoring nutrition are important aspects of care, they do not directly influence the physical recovery as significantly as promoting physical therapy compliance does. Proper medication management and nutrition can support overall health but engaging in regular physical therapy is actively working on the specific impairments caused by the stroke and directly contributes to the recovery process.