What should be prioritized in the discharge plan for a client with left-sided hemiplegia?

Prioritizing a referral for physical therapy is essential for a client with left-sided hemiplegia because physical therapy plays a critical role in rehabilitation, promoting mobility, strength, and functional independence. Such therapy can help the client regain motor functions affected by hemiplegia and improve their overall quality of life. A well-structured physical therapy plan can also assist in preventing complications associated with immobility, such as contractures or pressure sores.

While ensuring the client has a wheelchair, providing written discharge instructions, and arranging follow-up visits with the physician are important aspects of the discharge plan, they support the client’s needs but do not directly address the immediate rehabilitation and mobility challenges posed by hemiplegia. Physical therapy directly targets the specific physical deficits the client is experiencing and is crucial for their recovery and ability to perform daily activities.