What is an important nursing intervention for a client being discharged after a cerebrovascular accident?

Providing information on stroke prevention strategies is a critical nursing intervention for a client being discharged after a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly known as a stroke. This intervention is vital because stroke survivors often face an increased risk of recurrent strokes, and educating them about prevention can significantly reduce this risk.

After a stroke, patients need to understand the factors that contribute to stroke risk, such as controlling high blood pressure, managing diabetes, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Educating them about lifestyle modifications and the importance of medication adherence can empower clients to take charge of their health and reduce the likelihood of experiencing another stroke.

In contrast, while encouraging independence is important for rehabilitation, it may not address the immediate needs for education on prevention, making it secondary to delivering vital information. Scheduling a follow-up appointment is relevant for ongoing care but does not equip the patient with the knowledge needed to prevent future strokes. Recommending complete bed rest goes against current rehabilitation practices that emphasize the importance of mobility and activity in recovery. Thus, this comprehensive focus on prevention is the most important intervention upon discharge after a cerebrovascular accident.