HESI (Health and Environmental Sciences Institute) Health Assessment Practice Test

Continuing to assess and monitor the patient with abnormal reflexes after a stroke is crucial to understanding the patient's neurological status and any potential changes that may occur. Abnormal reflexes can indicate a range of underlying issues, including the severity of the stroke and the potential for recovery. By closely observing the patient's reflexes, the nurse can provide timely information about their condition, which can inform future interventions and treatment plans. This ongoing assessment is essential for identifying any deterioration or improvement, allowing for adjustments in care as necessary.

Documenting the findings is important, but it is a more passive intervention compared to continuous monitoring, which offers real-time insights into the patient's health status. Initiating physical rehabilitation is a critical part of recovery but typically follows the initial assessment phase to determine the appropriate rehabilitation goals. Notifying the physician immediately may be warranted in certain situations, but it would generally follow the continuous assessment that seeks to provide a clearer picture of the patient's changing condition.