NBCOT Occupational Therapy Certification Practice Exam

Using visual cues to draw attention to the affected side is the most appropriate intervention strategy for a client exhibiting unilateral neglect following a stroke. Unilateral neglect, often resulting from damage to the parietal lobe, leads to an inability or difficulty in acknowledging or responding to stimuli on one side of the body—typically the side opposite the stroke.

Visual cues can help to direct the client's attention to the neglected side, thereby promoting awareness and encouraging active engagement with that side during activities. This strategy is essential for re-establishing spatial awareness and encouraging the client to utilize their affected side in meaningful tasks, ultimately aiding in rehabilitation.

In contrast, focusing only on the unaffected side or engaging in activities strictly on that side can reinforce the neglect and limit functional progress. Verbal reminders are helpful, but without accompanying visual cues, they may not sufficiently redirect the client's attention. While providing verbal reminders can support engagement, they are less effective than clear visual cues, which tend to bring immediate attention to the area of neglect.