What nursing intervention is most appropriate for a client who recently experienced a stroke and has diplopia?

The most appropriate nursing intervention for a client who has recently experienced a stroke and has diplopia—double vision—is to consistently place client care items in the same location. This approach helps to create a stable and predictable environment for the patient. With diplopia, visual disturbances can complicate the client's perception of their surroundings, making it challenging to locate objects or navigate their environment safely. By maintaining consistency in the placement of care items, the nurse can facilitate better orientation and reduce frustration or confusion that may arise from the patient's visual difficulties.

Other interventions, while potentially beneficial in specific contexts, do not directly address the immediate needs of someone experiencing diplopia. For instance, matching visual tasks with verbal statements may not significantly help with visual perception issues. Assessing vagus nerve function before giving food or fluids relates more to swallowing function than addressing the visual impairments caused by diplopia. Encouraging writing over speaking may not be suitable, especially if the client is struggling with visual processing. Thus, maintaining a consistent environment is crucial in this situation, as it directly supports the client's safety and independence while they recover.