NCLEX-RNBasic Care and ComfortEasy
A nurse is teaching a client who had a left total knee replacement how to use a single-point cane for ambulation. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding of the teaching?
- A"I will hold the cane in my left hand and move it forward with my right leg."
- B"I will hold the cane in my left hand and move it forward with my left leg."
- C"I will hold the cane in my right hand and move it forward with my right leg."
- D"I will hold the cane in my right hand and move it forward with my left leg."
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. "I will hold the cane in my right hand and move it forward with my left leg."
The cane should be held on the stronger (unaffected, right) side and advanced together with the weaker (affected, left) leg. This widens the base of support toward the weak side and reduces the load on the affected joint. Holding the cane on the affected side would not provide adequate support.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This reverses the correct hand/leg pairing.
- B. Cane on the affected side does not provide proper support.
- C. Cane and leg on the same strong side does not support the weak leg.
Cane Use Technique
A cane is held in the hand opposite the weaker/affected leg and advanced simultaneously with that weaker leg to provide support and a wider base of stability.
- Cane on strong side, moves with weak leg
- Cane tip should be about 4-6 inches to the side of the foot
- Elbow flexed 15-30 degrees when holding cane
Memory trick: "Cane on the strong, moves with the wrong (leg)."