A client with right-sided weakness becomes dizzy, loses balance, and begins to fall while the nurse is assisting with ambulation. Which nursing actions would best prevent injury to the client and nurse while guiding the client to a horizontal position on the floor? A)Step behind client with arms around waist, squat using the quadriceps, and lower client to the floor B)Step in front of client, brace knees and feet against the client's, and assist to the floor gently C)Step slightly behind client with feet apart, extend one leg, and let client slide against it to the floor D)Step 12 inches behind the client, support under axillae, tighten back, and lower client to the floor

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11ecbb05_cb5d_4278_b433_8bffb4a817a6_MD0009_00 To prevent injury to the nurse and the client if the client is falling, the nurse uses good body mechanics to try to break the fall and guide the client to the floor if necessary. These actions include: Step slightly behind the client and place the arms under the axillae or around the client's waist Place feet wide apart with knees bent - creates a broad base of support, provides stability, and reduces the risk for back injury to the nurse Place one foot behind the other and extend the front leg - allows the nurse to bring the client backward by using the leg muscles to rock backward while supporting the client's weight Let the client slide down the extended leg to the floor - lowers the client gently to the floor while keeping the client's head protected from injury (Options A and D) These actions do not provide close proximity to the client, a broad base of support, or a lower center of gravity to increase the nurse's stability and help prevent back injury. (Option B) These actions are appropriate for helping a client rise from the bed or chair but not for assisting a falling client to the floor. Educational objective: These nursing actions can help prevent injury if a client is falling while the nurse is assisting with ambulation: step slightly behind the client with feet wide apart and knees bent, place arms under the axillae or around the client's waist, place one leg behind the other and extend the front leg, and let the client slide down the extended leg to the floor.

A Client with Right-Sided Weakness Becomes Dizzy, Loses Balance, and Begins