When assessing the arm drift in a stroke evaluation, if both arms fall to the sides, what is the appropriate action?

When assessing arm drift during a stroke evaluation, observing that both arms fall to the sides indicates significant weakness or potential paralysis. The appropriate response in this scenario is to move the patient's arms into position and repeat the test. This action helps to determine the extent of the patient's motor function and whether the observed weakness is consistent.

By repositioning the arms, you can assess if they can maintain the posture better or if the weakness persists. It's crucial to have a clear understanding of the patient's capabilities and to ensure accurate evaluation results, as this information can impact treatment decisions and urgency in management.

Having the patient follow through with the test correctly is vital for accurate assessment. If one were to repeat the test ensuring palms are downward or to defer that part of the test, it may not provide the necessary information on the motor function of the arms, which is crucial for evaluating the potential effects of a stroke. Additionally, instructing the patient to keep their eyes open may not change the outcome and is not as effective in determining the motor capabilities compared to repositioning the arms.