The nurse delegates helping the older patient ambulate with a walker without wheels to nursing assistive personnel (NAP). Which instructions should the nurse provide to the NAP?

Question

a. Show the patient how to slide the walker a few steps ahead.
b. Check the patient for non-skid shoes be-fore using the walker.
c. Be sure that the patient places all weight on the front of the walker.
d. Ensure that the patient is wearing soft slipper socks while walking.

Answer 1

B
The nurse instructs the NAP to check the patient for supportive, non-skid shoes to prevent injury to the patient's feet and provide sure footing while using the walker. The patient should be in-structed to lift the walker and set it into place to advance. Sliding is not safe because it does not provide a stable foundation and is more likely to lead to patient falls. The patient should not place all weight on the front of the walker because this will cause the walker to tip. The patient should be instructed to place weight in the center of the walker for stability. Soft slipper socks do not provide adequate support for the ambulating patient and are more likely to lead to falls.