National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which deficit is least likely in a patient with a right hemispheric stroke and impulsive behavior?

1. Difficulty processing visual cues

2. Difficulty processing verbal cues

3. Difficulty with expressing negative emotion

4. Increased safety risk

The correct answer is: Difficulty processing verbal cues

In a patient with a right hemispheric stroke, the most prominent deficits often involve non-verbal processing and spatial awareness, which are typically associated with the right side of the brain. Right hemisphere injuries can lead to issues with visual processing and the interpretation of non-verbal cues. This type of stroke is often linked to impulsive behavior due to a lack of awareness of one's own deficits, which can lead to increased safety risks and difficulties in processing visual cues. Conversely, difficulties with processing verbal cues are more commonly associated with left hemispheric strokes, where the areas responsible for language and verbal processing are located. As such, patients with a right hemisphere stroke are less likely to struggle with verbal communication and the interpretation of spoken information, making it the least likely deficit in this context. Thus, while the other options present plausible challenges, they are more commonly seen with right hemisphere issues or are direct outcomes of the impulsive behavior associated with such strokes. Difficulty processing verbal cues remains a lesser concern in these cases.