Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

A patient with a CVA and proprioceptive deficit on the affected side may exhibit which of the following characteristics?

1. Inability to communicate effectively

2. Inability to recognize familiar faces

3. Inability to know where the affected extremities are in relation to space

4. Disorientation to person, place, and time

The correct answer is: Inability to know where the affected extremities are in relation to space

The correct answer reflects a fundamental aspect of proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its position in space. A patient with a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) often experiences proprioceptive deficits, especially on the affected side. This means that they may struggle to understand where their body parts, such as arms or legs, are located without visual input. This lack of awareness can impede their ability to move or use those extremities appropriately, which can significantly impact their rehabilitation and daily activities. Understanding proprioception is key to assessing and planning interventions for patients recovering from a CVA. It influences their capacity to perform movements safely and effectively, such as reaching for objects or maintaining balance while walking. The other options presented deal with different cognitive or communicative impairments that can occur after a stroke but are not directly related to proprioceptive deficits. Communicative difficulties can arise from aphasia, face recognition issues might stem from specific types of agnosia, and disorientation is more aligned with global cognitive dysfunction rather than a localized proprioceptive issue.