HESI Health Assessment Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

The most critical question for functional assessment in an 82-year-old stroke patient is whether they are able to dress themselves. This question directly pertains to the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), which are essential for maintaining independence and quality of life, especially after a stroke that can affect motor skills and cognitive functions.

Assessing the ability to dress oneself provides important insights into the overall functional status and the level of assistance the patient might require. It reflects not only physical capacity but also any cognitive impairments that may have occurred as a result of the stroke.

In contrast, the other questions, while potentially relevant to the patient's overall health and wellness, do not directly address the patient's functional abilities in their daily life. For instance, asking about wearing glasses, thyroid problems, or bowel movement frequency may provide information about the patient’s general health or needs, but they do not specifically evaluate the individual's capacity to manage personal care tasks, which is crucial for assessing independence and planning further care.