The nurse is correctly assisting the patient in using a cane when the patient demonstrates the following: (Select all that apply.)
a. The top of the cane is level with the patient's bent elbow.
b. The patient holds the cane on his/her weaker side.
c. The patient moves the cane forward first.
d. The patient's arm is comfortably bent when walking.
ANS: C, D
The top of the cane should be level with the hip joint, and the patient's arm should be comfortably bent when the patient is walking. The patient should hold the cane on his/her stronger side and move the cane forward first, followed by the weaker leg and then the stronger leg. This ensures that another point of support is always on the ground when the weaker leg is bearing weight and gives the patient a wide base of support. A patient using a cane should be encouraged to stand up straight and look forward. Leaning to one side or looking down can jeopardize safety and cause poor posture.
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