A client recovering from a left-hemisphere stroke is likely to have which deficit?

• A. Difficulty with speech
• B. Left-sided neglect
• C. Loss of smell
• D. Severe right leg numbness

Answer: (A)

Left-hemisphere strokes commonly disrupt language centers, which are dominant for most people. When the left hemisphere is affected, language can be impaired in several ways—production of speech (Broca’s area) or comprehension of speech (Wernicke’s area)—leading to difficulties in speaking and forming coherent language. This makes difficulty with speech the most expected deficit after a left-hemisphere stroke.

Neglect typically arises from right-hemisphere injury, causing inattention to the left side. Loss of smell would involve olfactory pathways and isn’t a hallmark of a left-sided stroke. Right leg numbness could occur with a stroke, but it’s not as characteristic as language impairment when the left hemisphere is involved.