A nurse is observing a client who has right-sided weakness ambulate using a cane. Which of the following actions by the client should alert the nurse that further teaching is necessary?
A.
The client holds the cane on the affected side.
B.
The client keeps two points of support on the ground.
C.
The client advances the cane before moving the unaffected leg.
D.
The client supports his weight on both legs when moving the cane forward.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. The client holds the cane on the affected side.
Explanation
When a client with right-sided weakness uses a cane, it is crucial that the cane is used correctly to provide optimal support and balance. Proper cane use helps in maintaining stability and preventing falls. Here’s why each option matters and why Option A indicates a need for further teaching:
Option A: The client holds the cane on the affected side.
This is incorrect and indicates that further teaching is necessary. For effective support, the cane should be held on the unaffected side (the left side for a client with right-sided weakness). The primary purpose of using a cane is to compensate for the weakness on the affected side. Holding the cane on the affected side would not provide the necessary support and stability required during ambulation. It can also lead to an increased risk of falls and instability as the cane would not effectively help in bearing the weight away from the weaker side.
Option B: The client keeps two points of support on the ground.
This is correct and is the standard practice. Keeping two points of support on the ground—one being the cane and the other the stronger leg—provides stability and balance. It ensures that the client has adequate support while moving the weaker leg and reduces the risk of falls.
Option C: The client advances the cane before moving the unaffected leg.
This is correct. The proper technique for using a cane is to move the cane forward first, then move the unaffected leg forward to align with the cane. This technique ensures that the cane provides support when the weaker leg is being moved and helps maintain balance.
Option D: The client supports his weight on both legs when moving the cane forward.
This is correct and is a proper technique. Supporting weight on both legs while moving the cane forward helps maintain balance and stability. The cane and the unaffected leg work together to support the body weight during the gait cycle.
In summary, holding the cane on the affected side is a mistake that undermines the cane’s purpose. The cane should be held on the unaffected side to provide the necessary support and balance for effective ambulation.