Question 1

Which position is contraindicated for a client at risk for skin breakdown?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Semi-Fowler's increases shear and pressure on the sacrum and coccyx as the body tends to slide down the bed, predisposing to tissue ischemia and pressure injury. In contrast, alternating prone or a 30-degree lateral tilt offloads the sacrum and trochanters. Supine can be used with frequent repositioning and pressure redistribution surfaces, but Semi-Fowler's particularly heightens shear forces and should be minimized when skin breakdown risk is high.

Question 2

The safest position for a woman in labor with prolapse cord is?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: With a prolapsed umbilical cord, the priority is to relieve pressure on the cord to restore fetal perfusion. Positioning the client in Trendelenburg uses gravity to move the fetus off the cord, similar to knee–chest positioning, until definitive delivery can occur. Supine, Fowler’s, and lithotomy positions can increase pelvic pressure on the cord and worsen fetal hypoxia.

Question 3

A patient with dyspnea should be positioned in?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Fowler’s (ideally high Fowler’s) position elevates the head and torso, which enhances diaphragmatic excursion and promotes lung expansion. This reduces work of breathing and improves ventilation–perfusion matching in dyspneic patients. Supine or prone can impede chest expansion, and Sims is a lateral semiprone position not optimal for relieving dyspnea.

Question 4

The best position for a patient with difficulty breathing is?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Fowler’s position elevates the head of the bed, allowing gravity to lower the diaphragm and reducing abdominal pressure on the lungs, which improves lung expansion and oxygenation. Supine can worsen ventilation and increase aspiration risk. Prone is reserved for select cases like ventilated ARDS patients, not routine dyspnea. Lateral does not optimize chest expansion as effectively as an upright Fowler’s position.

Question 5

In which position legs are elevated to improve venous return?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Trendelenburg position places the patient supine with the head lower than the feet, effectively elevating the legs relative to the heart. This uses gravity to promote venous return from the lower extremities to the central circulation. Lithotomy elevates legs mainly for pelvic/perineal access, not primarily to improve venous return, while prone and flat supine do not elevate the legs.

Question 6

Which side should a nurse support a patient with left-sided weakness while ambulating?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: During ambulation, the nurse should stand on and support the patient’s weak side to provide immediate stabilization if the extremity gives way. Supporting the left (weaker) side allows the nurse to assist the gait belt and control balance to reduce fall risk. Standing on the stronger side would leave the weaker side less protected and increases the chance of a lateral fall toward the impaired side.

Question 7

A client who has cognitive and motor deficits secondary to the onset of Huntington's disease is participating in OT. One of the client's goals is to be independent with dressing. Which intervention activity is BEST to include as part of the initial intervention plan?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Huntington’s disease involves progressive motor dysfunction (chorea, poor coordination) and cognitive impairment. Backward chaining with hand-over-hand support reduces cognitive load, promotes successful task completion, and builds independence in a structured, error-reducing way early in training.

Question 8

SCENARIO: A patient who had a myocardial infarction 2 days ago is participating in Phase I of cardiac rehabilitation. Which of the following activities is CONTRAINDICATED for a patient to do during this phase of cardiac rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: In Phase I (inpatient/early) cardiac rehabilitation shortly after an MI, activity is limited to low-intensity self-care and short ambulation with close monitoring to avoid provoking ischemia or dysrhythmias. Isometric exercise increases myocardial oxygen demand and can produce disproportionate rises in blood pressure due to sustained muscle contraction, making it inappropriate early after MI. The other options reflect typical Phase I activities (basic grooming/hygiene with pacing and monitoring perceived exertion). Therefore, completing isometrics—even if described as gentle—would be contraindicated at this stage.

Question 9

A bed-bound patient is repositioned every 2 hours by the nurse. This is which type of intervention?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Repositioning a bed-bound patient every 2 hours is a nurse-initiated measure to prevent pressure injuries, promote circulation, and support respiratory function. It does not require a provider’s order and is within the nurse’s scope as routine basic care. Dependent interventions require a prescription, and collaborative interventions involve coordination with other disciplines. Therefore, this is an independent nursing intervention.

Question 10

Which task-oriented approach would be MOST BENEFICIAL to include as part of the intervention plan for maximizing the client's physical abilities?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Constraint-induced movement therapy is a task-oriented intervention that improves physical function by encouraging repetitive, goal-directed use of the affected limb while limiting compensation with the unaffected limb. This promotes neuroplasticity and functional gains in strength, coordination, and independence in activities of daily living. The other options target different domains (communication or visual-perceptual/attention skills) rather than directly maximizing physical mobility and limb use.

Question 11

Which type of activity should be included as part of the INITIAL intervention to remediate the client's motor impairment?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: For initial remediation of motor impairment, preparatory methods that facilitate normal movement and improve proximal stability are typically prioritized before task practice. Weight-bearing through the affected upper extremity provides proprioceptive input and can help normalize tone and improve joint stability, supporting better voluntary control for subsequent functional activity. The other options (adaptive equipment, dominance retraining, or immediate repetitive skill practice) are more compensatory or later-stage approaches rather than an initial motor remediation strategy.

Question 12

A patient is having difficulty breathing. The nurse places him in what position?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: High-Fowler’s (upright, typically 60–90°) maximizes chest expansion and decreases the work of breathing by improving diaphragmatic excursion and lung ventilation. This position is a common immediate nursing intervention for dyspnea to promote airway patency and oxygenation. Supine and dorsal recumbent can worsen shortness of breath by limiting lung expansion. Semi-Fowler’s can help, but High-Fowler’s is generally the best option when a patient is having difficulty breathing.

Question 13

What is the purpose of Fowler's position?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Fowler's position (head of bed elevated) promotes lung expansion by reducing pressure from abdominal organs on the diaphragm, improving ventilation and easing work of breathing. It is commonly used to relieve dyspnea and improve oxygenation. While repositioning helps reduce pressure injury risk, Fowler's position is primarily taught as a position to facilitate respiration rather than pressure-ulcer prevention. It is not a position intended for performing surgical procedures or administering medications.

Question 14

Long-term goal is—?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A long-term nursing goal is expected to be achieved over weeks to months rather than minutes to hours. Regaining mobility within 6 weeks appropriately reflects a measurable outcome over a longer timeframe and aligns with rehabilitation expectations. The other options describe short-term goals (hours, minutes, or within the night) that are more immediate clinical outcomes rather than long-term targets.

Question 15

What helps prevent pressure ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Pressure ulcers develop from prolonged pressure that impairs tissue perfusion, especially over bony prominences. Regular repositioning offloads pressure, restores blood flow, and reduces shear/friction exposure. Restricting movement and prolonged bed rest increase risk by maintaining unrelieved pressure. Dry dressings do not prevent ulcer formation and appropriate wound care generally emphasizes a moist healing environment once an ulcer exists.

Question 16

A client with ankylosing spondylitis asks how to maintain posture. What is the best suggestion?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Ankylosing spondylitis tends to cause progressive spinal stiffness with a flexion (kyphotic) posture, so interventions that promote spinal extension help preserve posture and mobility. Regular back extension and postural exercises counteract flexion deformity and support functional alignment. A soft mattress and avoiding walking promote poor alignment and deconditioning, bending forward worsens flexion posture, and limiting calcium is not a posture-maintenance strategy.

Question 17

Which instruction should the nurse give to a patient with a cane for right-sided weakness?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: With unilateral weakness, the cane is used to widen the base of support and partially offload the weaker leg. The correct gait pattern is to advance the cane at the same time as the weak leg (right), then step through with the stronger leg for stability. Holding the cane on the stronger side (left) provides better leverage and balance, so "hold the cane in the right hand" is incorrect. Placing the cane far ahead and using it only on stairs are unsafe and do not reflect proper cane ambulation technique.

Question 18

Best position for unconscious patient to prevent aspiration?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: An unconscious patient has impaired airway protective reflexes, increasing risk of aspiration from saliva, vomitus, or secretions. A lateral (Sims’) position promotes drainage of secretions out of the mouth and helps keep the tongue from occluding the airway, reducing aspiration risk. Supine increases the chance of airway obstruction and aspiration if vomiting occurs, while High Fowler’s requires the patient to maintain posture and does not provide dependent drainage. Lithotomy is used for procedures and does not support airway protection.

Question 19

An area of non-blanchable erythema on the sacrum would be what stage of pressure injury?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Stage 1 pressure injury is defined as intact skin with non-blanchable erythema, typically over a bony prominence such as the sacrum. The key discriminator is that the redness does not turn white (blanch) with pressure, indicating early tissue damage. Stage 2 would involve partial-thickness skin loss or a blister, and stages 3–4 involve deeper tissue loss, none of which are described here.

Question 20

What is a priority nursing goal for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that commonly causes progressive joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity, so a key nursing priority is preserving mobility and function. Maintaining joint function through activity planning, range-of-motion exercises, joint protection, assistive devices, and pain/anti-inflammatory management helps prevent disability and loss of independence. Preventing infection can be important if the patient is immunosuppressed, but it is not the primary overall goal of RA care compared with function preservation. Decreased urine output and improved appetite are not central goals specific to RA unless other comorbid issues are present.

Question 21

A client with rheumatoid arthritis asks about joint protection. Which instruction is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Joint protection strategies in rheumatoid arthritis aim to reduce stress on inflamed, vulnerable small joints and conserve energy. Using larger/stronger joints (e.g., shoulder/hip) or distributing weight decreases joint strain and helps prevent deformity and pain. Exercises should be regular and gentle (often range-of-motion daily), not limited only to pain episodes, and assistive devices are encouraged to reduce joint load. Frequent bending of joints is not a protection strategy and may aggravate inflammation if excessive or done during flares.

Question 22

When assisting a client in learning how to use a cane, the nurse aide stands?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: When ambulating with a cane, the client typically holds the cane on the stronger side, so the weaker side is at greater risk for giving way. The nurse aide should therefore guard from the weak side, slightly behind the client, to provide support and quickly prevent a fall if the weak leg buckles. This position also allows the aide to assist with balance and control the gait belt if used without obstructing the cane’s movement.

Question 23

A nurse is caring for a patient after a hip replacement. Which action is most appropriate to prevent dislocation?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: After total hip replacement, maintaining the operated leg in abduction helps prevent hip adduction and internal rotation, which can precipitate prosthetic dislocation (especially with a posterior approach). An abduction pillow keeps the hip in proper alignment during rest and turning. Placing a pillow under the knees and keeping the hip flexed at 90 degrees increases hip flexion and can raise dislocation risk. Elevating the leg above the heart is aimed at edema reduction, not dislocation prevention.

Question 24

A patient who is paralyzed on the left side of the body after a stroke develops a pressure ulcer on the left hip. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Because the patient already has a pressure ulcer, the priority nursing diagnosis should be an actual problem, not a risk diagnosis. "Impaired skin integrity" directly addresses the existing breakdown of the skin from prolonged pressure and compromised local perfusion, which are classic causes of pressure injuries in immobile patients after stroke. Option A describes a contributing factor (mobility limitation) but does not name the primary current problem of skin breakdown. Option D is less accurate because pressure ulcers are primarily due to pressure/shear causing localized ischemia rather than a generalized perfusion disorder diagnosis.

Question 25

A home health nurse is visiting a patient who recently suffered a Cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The nurse would MOST likely implement which of the following interventions to prevent muscle and ligament deformities?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: After a CVA, weakness/spasticity and immobility place the patient at high risk for contractures and deformities of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Daily passive and active range-of-motion exercises help maintain joint flexibility, preserve muscle length, and prevent shortening that leads to contractures. The other options may have roles in rehabilitation but do not directly and reliably prevent musculoskeletal deformity as effectively as consistent ROM. Encouraging exclusive use of the unaffected side can also worsen disuse of the affected limb and does not prevent deformities.

Question 26

What is the correct position for a patient with a new tracheostomy?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: After a new tracheostomy, positioning in High Fowler’s promotes maximum lung expansion and improves ventilation and oxygenation. Upright positioning also facilitates drainage of secretions and reduces the work of breathing. Supine or prone positions can compromise airway patency and increase aspiration risk, while lateral positioning is not the standard initial position for optimizing airway and breathing post-procedure.

Question 27

The "Logrolling" of a patient is done in case of?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Logrolling is a turning technique used to keep the head, neck, and trunk in neutral alignment as a single unit, minimizing spinal rotation and flexion/extension. This is essential when a spinal fracture or suspected spinal injury is present to prevent worsening cord compression or neurologic damage. Femur, rib, and clavicle fractures do not primarily require whole-body en bloc turning; instead, they are managed with targeted immobilization and pain control.

Question 28

Which body position promotes optimal lung expansion?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Fowler's position (head of bed elevated) promotes maximal chest expansion by allowing the diaphragm to descend more effectively and reducing abdominal pressure on the thorax. It decreases the work of breathing and improves ventilation compared with supine, which can limit diaphragmatic excursion and promote atelectasis. Lateral and prone positioning may be useful for specific oxygenation/ventilation goals, but they are not generally considered the best single position for overall lung expansion in routine care.

Question 29

How often should an inactive patient’s positions be changed?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Inactive/immobile patients require regular repositioning to reduce prolonged pressure over bony prominences, maintain tissue perfusion, and prevent pressure injuries. Standard nursing care is to turn/reposition at least every 2 hours (more frequently if high risk or poor perfusion). Longer intervals (3–4 hours or once per shift) increase risk of skin breakdown, moisture-associated damage, and complications from immobility.

Question 30

A client has just returned to a nursing unit after an above-knee amputation of the right leg. The nurse should place the client in which position?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Immediately after an above-knee amputation, the residual limb should be kept flat to prevent hip flexion contracture, which can occur quickly if the stump is elevated on pillows. Supporting the stump with pillows promotes hip flexion and makes later prosthetic fitting and ambulation more difficult. Prone positioning may be used later in the postoperative period for contracture prevention, but is not the routine immediate post-op positioning on return to the unit. Therefore, supine with the residual limb flat on the bed is the best choice.

Question 31

A nurse caring for a patient with vaginal prolapse should prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: First-line conservative nursing management for mild-to-moderate vaginal/pelvic organ prolapse includes pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises) to strengthen pelvic support and reduce symptoms. Foley catheter insertion is not routine and is reserved for acute urinary retention or specific perioperative needs. Topical estrogen may help postmenopausal vaginal atrophy and improve tissue integrity but is adjunctive, not the primary priority. Complete bed rest is not indicated and can increase risks such as deconditioning and thromboembolism.

Question 32

The nurse provides care to a client who is being prepared to receive an epidural patch for a postlumbar puncture headache. In which position will the nurse place the client?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: An epidural blood patch is performed similarly to epidural placement and requires optimal access to the lumbar epidural space. The side-lying (lateral) position with spinal flexion helps open the intervertebral spaces and stabilizes the client for needle insertion. Upright positioning can be used in some settings, but lateral positioning is commonly preferred and is a standard nursing preparation for epidural procedures. Dorsal recumbent and lithotomy do not facilitate safe lumbar epidural access.

Question 33

Which nursing intervention is important during acute renal colic?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason:  Administer analgesics and encourage ambulation Acute renal colic from a suspected ureteral stone causes severe, spasmodic pain; prompt analgesia is a key nursing priority to relieve discomfort and reduce physiologic stress. Encouraging ambulation (as tolerated) can help facilitate stone movement/passage by promoting ureteral peristalsis and gravity. Restricting fluids is not routine and may worsen dehydration; cold packs and bed rest are less effective than analgesia with mobilization for symptom relief and promoting passage.

Question 34

A client with episodes of vertigo who has a fractured leg has been ordered crutches and not to bear weight on the affected extremity. The most appropriate crutch-walking gait the nurse should teach the client is the?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Three-point gait The three-point gait is indicated when one lower extremity must be kept non–weight-bearing; the client advances both crutches and the affected leg together, then bears weight through the hands/arms and the unaffected leg to step through. Two- and four-point gaits require weight bearing on both legs, which is contraindicated with an ordered non–weight-bearing extremity. Swing-through gait is faster but less stable and requires significant strength/balance, making it inappropriate for a client with vertigo and high fall risk.

Question 35

What type of client would benefit the most from an elevated head of the bed position?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Patient who had a laryngectomy. After laryngectomy, elevating the head of the bed helps decrease neck and airway edema and promotes more effective breathing and secretion drainage. This positioning also reduces aspiration risk and supports airway patency during the immediate postoperative period. In contrast, after a liver biopsy and lumbar puncture, clients are typically kept flat or on the right side to reduce bleeding and prevent post–dural puncture headache, and after hemorrhoidectomy positioning focuses more on comfort and reducing perineal pressure rather than head elevation.

Question 36

Which client is at highest risk for developing a pressure ulcer?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Immobility is the most significant risk factor for pressure ulcers because sustained pressure over bony prominences reduces tissue perfusion, leading to ischemia and skin breakdown. Incontinence adds moisture and chemical irritation, causing maceration and greatly increasing skin vulnerability. This combination (bedridden + incontinent) creates the highest risk compared with diabetes alone in an ambulatory client, traction without mention of moisture, or IV antibiotics for pneumonia.

Question 37

The nurse is reinforcing instructions to a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of emphysema about positions that will enhance the effectiveness of breathing during dyspneic episodes. Which position should the nurse instruct the client to assume?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Sitting on the side of the bed, leaning on an overbed table. This is the classic “tripod” position, which stabilizes the shoulder girdle and allows accessory muscles to assist ventilation, improving chest expansion in emphysema/COPD during dyspnea. Leaning forward can also enhance diaphragmatic function and reduce work of breathing. The other positions may help comfort but are generally less effective than forward-leaning supported sitting for acute breathlessness relief in COPD.

Question 38

A female client is experiencing painful and rigid abdomen and is diagnosed with perforated peptic ulcer. A surgery has been scheduled and a nasogastric tube is inserted. The nurse should place the client before surgery in?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Semi-fowlers position Semi-Fowler’s helps reduce intra-abdominal pressure and can decrease pain and guarding in peritonitis from a perforated peptic ulcer. Elevating the head of bed also supports respiratory expansion, which is important because a rigid, distended abdomen can impair ventilation. Supine/dorsal recumbent can increase abdominal tension and discomfort, and Sims is not indicated for this preoperative stabilization goal.

Question 39

The best way to prevent pressure ulcers is frequent repositioning?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: True Frequent repositioning is a primary evidence-based intervention to prevent pressure injuries by relieving prolonged pressure and restoring tissue perfusion, especially over bony prominences. Regular turning schedules (commonly at least every 2 hours in bed, individualized to risk and support surface) reduce ischemia and shear-related damage. While prevention is multifactorial (support surfaces, moisture management, nutrition, skin inspection), repositioning remains a cornerstone nursing intervention and is often emphasized as the most important measure.

Question 40

A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse notices the client’s oxygen saturation has dropped to 86% on room air. Which action should the nurse take first?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Place the client in high-Fowler’s position An SpO2 of 86% indicates significant hypoxemia, and the first priority is to optimize ventilation with an immediate, independent nursing intervention. High-Fowler’s position maximizes chest expansion, decreases work of breathing, and can rapidly improve oxygenation before additional measures. After positioning, the nurse can coach pursed-lip breathing and administer low-flow oxygen as ordered/titrated for COPD, and notify the provider if the patient does not promptly improve or shows signs of respiratory distress.

Question 41

What is the most important nursing intervention for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in an older, immobilized client?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Reposition the client frequently. Frequent repositioning offloads pressure and restores tissue perfusion, which is the core intervention to prevent ischemia and progression of pressure injuries in an immobilized older adult. While pressure-reducing devices are helpful adjuncts, they do not replace scheduled turning/repositioning. Massage over pressure areas is discouraged because it can damage fragile tissue and worsen injury, and lift sheets mainly reduce shear during moves but do not address sustained pressure as effectively as repositioning.

Question 42

Nurse Mary is caring for a wheelchair-bound client. Which piece of equipment impedes circulation to the area it's meant to protect?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Ring or donut These devices concentrate pressure at the edges of the ring, which can compress capillaries and reduce blood flow to surrounding tissue. This increases the risk of pressure injury rather than protecting against it, especially over bony prominences in immobile clients. Support surfaces like foam mattresses and gel pads redistribute pressure more evenly to help maintain tissue perfusion.

Question 43

A nurse should massage a reddened area on a patient’s skin to prevent pressure ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: False Massage over nonblanchable erythema or reddened bony prominences can further damage fragile capillaries and soft tissue, worsening ischemia and increasing the risk of skin breakdown. A reddened area suggests early pressure injury, so the priority is to offload pressure (repositioning, support surfaces), protect the skin, and optimize moisture/nutrition. Prevention focuses on frequent turning, minimizing shear/friction, and routine skin assessment rather than rubbing the area.

Question 44

The most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers is frequent repositioning?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: True Sustained pressure over bony prominences decreases capillary blood flow, leading to tissue ischemia and skin breakdown. Regular repositioning reduces the duration and intensity of pressure and is a core, evidence-based nursing intervention in pressure injury prevention bundles. While support surfaces, moisture control, and nutrition are also important, turning/repositioning is a primary measure to prevent prolonged pressure in at-risk, immobile clients.

Question 45

A nurse is assisting a postpartum patient with fundal massage. What is the most comfortable and safe position?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: This position promotes abdominal muscle relaxation and stabilizes the pelvis, allowing effective uterine assessment and massage with less discomfort. It also supports safety by minimizing strain and reducing risk of dizziness or syncope that can occur postpartum with abrupt upright positioning. Prone and lithotomy positions are unnecessary and uncomfortable for routine fundal massage, and can compromise comfort and access. Sitting upright may hinder adequate uterine support and is less optimal immediately after delivery if the patient is fatigued or hypotensive.

Question 46

Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a client with Buck's traction?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Buck’s traction must maintain continuous, uninterrupted pull to provide proper alignment and reduce muscle spasm. Allowing the weights to hang freely ensures the traction force is constant and effective; if weights rest on the bed/floor the traction is lost. Weights should not be removed routinely because this disrupts alignment and can worsen pain or injury. Heat under the boot can increase moisture and skin breakdown risk, and head-of-bed elevation is generally minimized unless prescribed because it can alter the line of pull.

Question 47

A client is being discharged after a total knee replacement. Which instruction is most important to include?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Safe ambulation with an assistive device reduces fall risk and protects the new joint while mobility is gradually increased after knee arthroplasty. Complete non-weight-bearing is not universally required and is dictated by the surgeon’s orders; many patients are weight-bearing as tolerated soon after surgery. Keeping the knee completely straight at all times increases risk of stiffness and flexion contracture; prescribed ROM exercises are essential. Analgesics are typically taken on a scheduled or proactive basis initially to enable participation in mobility and rehabilitation, not only when pain becomes severe.

Question 48

The nurse is teaching a client with low back pain proper body mechanics. Which statement indicates correct understanding?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: This uses the stronger muscles of the legs and keeps the spine in a more neutral, aligned position, reducing strain on lumbar structures. Bending at the waist and twisting increase shear forces on intervertebral discs and can worsen low back pain. Lifting with arms extended increases the load moment arm on the back, increasing risk of injury.

Question 49

What is the correct teaching for a client using a walker?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: This sequence maximizes stability by keeping the walker in front as a wide base of support before advancing the weaker extremity. Stepping first with the affected leg reduces the risk of losing balance because the stronger leg can then follow to support weight-bearing. Swing-through or moving both feet together is a different gait pattern (often for crutches) and can be unsafe for many walker users. A walker is used for ambulation on level surfaces as needed, not only for stairs.

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