An 81-year-old woman is admitted with new left-sided weakness. CT confirms right MCA infarct; after 48 hours she remains drowsy with dense

Question

An 81-year-old woman is admitted with new left-sided weakness. CT confirms right MCA infarct; after 48 hours she remains drowsy with dense hemiplegia, hemianopia and severe dysphagia. Her family asks whether rehabilitation should wait until she is more alert. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Begin early stroke MDT assessment, positioning, swallow care and rehabilitation planning according to tolerance

Answer

Delay rehabilitation until she can walk independently as the preferred next management strategy

Answer

Transfer to long-term care before therapy assessment as the preferred next management strategy

Answer

Focus on arm splinting without swallow or positioning review as the preferred next management strategy

Answer

Start bed rest for two weeks to prevent neurological worsening as the preferred next management strategy

Early rehabilitation after severe stroke — SCE Geriatric Medicine MCQ