The nurse observes a client who is postoperative left total knee replacement use a cane. Which action by the client indicates an understanding of the correct technique when walking down the stairs?
A)Descends with the cane on the step first, followed by the left leg, and then the right leg
B)Descends with the cane on the step first, followed by the right leg, and then the left leg
C)Descends with the left leg on the step first, followed by the cane, and then the right leg
D)Descends with the right leg on the step first, followed by the left leg, and then the cane

Question

The nurse observes a client who is postoperative left total knee replacement use a cane.  Which action by the client indicates an understanding of the correct technique when walking down the stairs?
A)Descends with the cane on the step first, followed by the left leg, and then the right leg
B)Descends with the cane on the step first, followed by the right leg, and then the left leg
C)Descends with the left leg on the step first, followed by the cane, and then the right leg
D)Descends with the right leg on the step first, followed by the left leg, and then the cane

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_cb77_814d_b433_1b4ec7d58a68_MD0009_00 To prevent falls after a total knee replacement, clients should use a cane to provide maximum support when climbing up and down any stairs. Clients should hold the cane on the stronger side and move the cane before moving the weaker leg, regardless of the direction. Clients must also keep 2 points of support on the floor at all times (ie, both feet, foot and cane). When descending stairs, the client should: Lead with the cane Bring the weaker leg down next (in this client, it is the left leg) Finally, step down with the stronger leg (Option A) When ascending stairs, the client should: Step up with the stronger leg first Move the cane next, while bearing weight on the stronger leg Finally, move the weaker leg To remember the order, use the mnemonic "up with the good and down with the bad." The cane always moves before the weaker leg. (Options B, C, and D) These options do not provide enough support to the weaker leg when descending. Educational objective: To prevent falls when descending the stairs using a cane, the client should lead with the cane, follow with the weaker leg, and then step down with the stronger leg.

The Nurse Observes a Client Who Is Postoperative Left Total