What should be monitored if a patient is undergoing speech therapy post-CVA?

Monitoring speech clarity is crucial for a patient undergoing speech therapy following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly known as a stroke. After a CVA, patients often experience difficulties in communication due to aphasia or dysarthria, which can significantly impact their ability to form and articulate words clearly. Assessing speech clarity allows therapy professionals to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment protocols and make necessary adjustments to help the patient improve their expressive language skills and communication abilities.

While other factors such as nutritional intake, physical mobility, and cognitive function are important aspects of the overall care plan for a patient recovering from a stroke, they do not specifically pertain to the primary goal of speech therapy. Monitoring these areas may be necessary for a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, but in the context of speech therapy, speech clarity is the primary focus that directly relates to the patient's progress in communication abilities.