After a patient has had a stroke, what is a major concern for their treatment?

A major concern for treatment after a patient has had a stroke is the use of anticoagulants. After a stroke, patients may be prescribed anticoagulants to prevent further clotting, especially if the stroke is ischemic in nature, where blood flow to the brain is blocked. Evaluating whether the patient is on anticoagulants is crucial in the management of their care, as procedural interventions, such as dental treatments, can pose increased risks of bleeding if the anticoagulant therapy is not properly managed. Understanding the patient's medication status ensures safe treatment planning and helps prevent complications associated with excessive bleeding.

In this context, while consciousness is important, the presence of anticoagulants directly impacts the safety of medical and dental procedures. Factors like dental decay and the need for hygiene instruction are important but do not have the immediate, critical implications tied to stroke management and the associated risks of anticoagulant therapy.