An average-size male client has right-sided hemiparesis. The nurse helps this client to walk by:

Question

1. Standing at his left side and holding his arm
2. Standing at his left side and holding one arm around his waist
3. Standing at his right side and holding his arm
4. Standing at his right side and holding one arm around his waist

Answer 1

ANS: 4
The nurse provides support at the waist so the client's center of gravity remains midline. The nurse should be on the client's weaker side to assist him with ambulation. The nurse should hold onto the client's waist, not his arm, and should be on his weaker side, not his strong side. The nurse should be on the client's weaker side. The nurse should hold onto the client's waist to help steady him in maintaining his center of gravity midline so that he does not lose his balance and fall.