Nursing care of the stroke patient using Bobath principles. An approach to altered movement.

Rehabilitation nursing care of the stroke patient is a challenge. When the nurse understands and practices rehabilitative nursing care based on neurophysiologic and neurodevelopmental principles of normal movement, the care of the stroke patient is most rewarding. The nurse becomes an equal member of the rehabilitation team because there is a sharing of knowledge of how well each patient is achieving goals outlined for and with him or her by the team. Potentially, rehabilitation goals can be achieved early; however, there is a tremendous need for research in all areas of rehabilitation nursing to build on a scientific foundation of rehabilitation nursing research.