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Question

Difficulty: Very hardBasic Care and Comfort

A nurse is preparing to ambulate a client who has multiple sclerosis and resulting right leg weakness using a standard (non-rolling) pickup walker. Arrange the nurse's actions and instructions in the correct chronological sequence.

  1. 1Apply a transfer belt securely around the client's waist before assisting them to a standing position.
  2. 2Verify that the walker's handgrips align with the client's wrist creases while their arms hang naturally.
  3. 3Instruct the client to lift and advance the entire walker forward by approximately 6 inches.
  4. 4Direct the client to step forward into the walker with the right (weaker) leg while bearing weight on the handgrips.
  5. 5Tell the client to step forward with the left (stronger) leg to align evenly with the right leg.

Answer

The correct sequence prioritizes safety and proper body mechanics: apply the transfer belt, verify the walker's fit, advance the walker, step with the weaker leg, and finally step with the stronger leg.
The correct chronological sequence integrates essential fall prevention (transfer belt), ergonomic assessment (wrist crease alignment), and the evidence-based gait pattern for a standard walker (Device -> Weak Leg -> Strong Leg). This order ensures maximum support is available when the weakest extremity is in motion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Apply a transfer belt securely around the client's waist before assisting them to a standing position.
The client is safely prepared to transition from sitting to standing.
Fall prevention is the highest priority. A transfer belt provides a secure hold for the nurse to assist the client against gravity.
2
Verify that the walker's handgrips align with the client's wrist creases while their arms hang naturally.
The walker is confirmed to be at the correct height.
Proper walker height cannot be accurately assessed until the client is standing. Aligning the grips with the wrist creases ensures proper elbow flexion (15-30 degrees) for optimal upper body strength utilization.
3
Instruct the client to lift and advance the entire walker forward by approximately 6 inches.
The walker provides a new base of support ahead of the client.
The assistive device must move first to create a stable boundary into which the client can safely step.
4
Direct the client to step forward into the walker with the right (weaker) leg while bearing weight on the handgrips.
The affected leg is safely advanced while the body's weight is supported.
The weaker leg must move while the strong arms and walker provide maximum stability. Moving the weak leg first prevents it from having to support the body's entire weight alone.
5
Tell the client to step forward with the left (stronger) leg to align evenly with the right leg.
The step is completed, and the client is balanced within the walker.
The strong leg can safely support the client's weight as it pushes off the ground to advance and join the weaker leg.

Key Concept

Safe Ambulation and Assistive Device Sequencing
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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