After a stroke, what should be the nurse's priority assessment for the client?

In the context of stroke care, prioritizing the client's ability to clear oral secretions is essential due to the potential for dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or impairments in the airway protective mechanisms following a stroke. Patients who have had a stroke may experience weakness in the muscles involved in swallowing, which increases the risk of aspiration. Aspiration can lead to serious complications, including aspiration pneumonia, which is a significant concern in stroke patients.

Monitoring and assessing the ability to clear oral secretions ensures that the airway remains clear and that any swallowing difficulties are promptly identified and managed. This assessment is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing complications. By focusing on this aspect of care, the nurse can facilitate interventions such as adjusting the diet, providing speech therapy, or implementing suctioning as necessary to support the patient's airway management.

While mobility, communication, and consciousness are also important assessments in stroke recovery, ensuring the airway is clear takes precedence because of the immediate life-threatening risks associated with compromised airway function.