The fiercely independent 90-year-old woman who is recovering from a stroke frequently ambulates without the use of her walker because she says it is ugly and cumbersome. What would be the most effective intervention of the nurse?
a. Allow her to ambulate independently.
b. Place a gait belt around her and ambulate when she does.
c. Bring her walker to her and remind her that the walker is for her safety.
d. Instruct her to use a wheelchair for mobility.
ANS: C
Bringing a device and reminding the patient of its purpose is an effective way to protect the patient and re-educate her about assistive devices. Use of a gait belt to assist her with every ambulation or allowing her to ambulate without an assistive device is not practical. Use of a wheelchair diminishes her mobility.
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