What would be the MOST important factor to consider if you have a patient that exhibits spasticity?

When providing NDT intervention for Sarah, the therapist ensures alignment starting with:

As a therapist, what would be the BEST intervention for your patient with an early stage extensor synergy pattern in the upper extremity according to the Brunnstrom approach?

Your patient is recovering from a stroke. When encouraging movement out of the synergy patterns at stage 5 of the Brunnstrom approach, you would expect to see which of the following movement patterns?

What would be the BEST way to obtain more information about how much motor control your patient has?

Which of the following would be the MOST important safety factor to consider if you have a patient that exhibits significant unilateral hypotonicity?

According to Rood, heavy joint compression:

Carla recently suffered a stroke that resulted in total right side hemiparesis. As part of your initial evaluation, you assess patient bed mobility. Patient is moderate assist x1 to come sitting edge of bed from supine. Once seated with feet on the floor, patient is noted to fully extend unaffected arm and lean toward affected side losing her ability to sit up safely without assistance. What is happening with your client? 

Mr. Smith is a 59 year old man who suffered a Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) three weeks ago.  He previously worked as a trucker and is the sole support of his family (a teenage daughter and wife).  They live in a modest home in the suburbs. Mr. Smith displays right sided hemiplegia with mild expressive aphasia. His ROM is limited in wrist, elbow, and shoulder flexion due to mild spasticity. Beginning isolated movements or combinations of movements are evident, in addition to associated reactions; however, he cannot maintain elbow extension with arm raised about 90 degrees of flexion.  He displays a mild right visual field inattention, but otherwise visual perception is intact. Sensation of his right UE is mildly impaired. He has difficulty with eating and writing as he is right handed.  He needs mod assist for UB and LB dressing and functional transfers.  He displays spasticity in right LE as well, but this is mild. Mr. Smith has difficulty with balance and leans to the right when sitting and standing. Mr. Smith needs physical and verbal cues to maintain upright posture. Mr. Smith’s IADL status has not yet been assessed. Mr. Smith’s goal is to return to driving. He becomes depressed at times due to his inability to express himself clearly as well as concern for supporting his family.  His wife and daughter are having a difficult time coping with his illness, but are supportive and willing to work with Mr. Smith.   Answer the following 7 questions based on this case.

BONUS (1 point) Briefly explain something significant that you learned from content for this first exam and how it will influence your future practice.