What is the characteristic feature of hemiplegia?

BTSC 3 August 2025

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: BTSC 3 August 2025

Explanation

Hemiplegia is defined as the paralysis of one vertical side of the body, affecting the arm, leg, and sometimes the face.
The term originates from its Greek roots: 'hemi' which means 'half' and 'plegia' which means 'paralysis'.
This condition is most often caused by damage to one hemisphere of the brain, for example from a stroke. The paralysis occurs on the side of the body opposite to the brain injury because the main motor nerve pathways cross over in the brainstem.

Option A: Paralysis limited to the upper body (both arms) is known as brachial diplegia, a much rarer condition. Hemiplegia involves an entire vertical half of the body (arm and leg).
Option B: Paralysis of both sides of the body, which includes all four limbs and the torso, is correctly termed quadriplegia or tetraplegia.
Option C: Paralysis of the lower body, which involves both legs and possibly the trunk, is known as paraplegia.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition and classification of paralysis, specifically hemiplegia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nursing care for a patient with hemiplegia focuses on preventing secondary complications such as pressure ulcers, joint contractures, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) through regular repositioning, skin care, and range-of-motion exercises.
Patient safety is a major priority. Nurses must implement fall precautions, assist with mobility and transfers, and educate the patient and family on using assistive devices correctly to foster safe independence.
What if the patient had hemiparesis instead of hemiplegia? The term 'paresis' signifies weakness, not complete paralysis. While care principles like fall prevention remain crucial, the nursing focus would shift more towards rehabilitation and strengthening exercises to help the patient regain as much function as possible in the weakened limb.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key medical term in the question, which is 'hemiplegia'.
Break down the term into its root components: the prefix 'hemi-' and the suffix '-plegia'.
Recall the definitions of these components from medical terminology. 'Hemi-' means 'half', and '-plegia' means 'paralysis'.
Combine the meanings to understand the term: 'paralysis of one half (side) of the body'.
Scan the options to find the one that accurately matches this definition.
Mentally eliminate the other options by recalling their specific definitions: paraplegia (lower body paralysis) and quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definition and classification of paralysis, specifically hemiplegia.
Stem keywords: hemiplegia, characteristic feature
Lead-in keywords: What is

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