Which of the following is an effective way to allow a stroke survivor to respond?

Agreeing on signals like nodding for yes or no is an effective way to allow a stroke survivor to respond because it provides them with a clear and straightforward method of communication. Many stroke survivors may experience difficulty with verbal communication due to aphasia or other speech-related issues. By establishing simple, non-verbal signals, you can help facilitate communication and ensure that the individual feels heard and understood.

This method is particularly beneficial because it requires minimal cognitive load, enabling the stroke survivor to respond without the pressure of formulating complex sentences or thoughts. It also encourages their involvement in the conversation, promoting a sense of autonomy and dignity.

Using multiple-choice options can be helpful too, but it may not always be as efficient or straightforward as agreed-upon signals, which can be tailored to the survivor's abilities and preferences. Asking for lengthy written answers might be overly challenging and could discourage the survivor, leading to frustration. Ignoring responses would not support effective communication and could further isolate the individual, negatively impacting their emotional well-being.