Question

the nurse is caring for an older adult client who is recovering from hip surgery. which assistive device will the nurse use to facilitate client ambulation?

• walker
• crutches
• cane
• gait belt

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical scenario

The client is an older adult recovering from hip surgery. Postoperative orthopedic clients are at a high risk for falls, instability, and weakness. The nurse needs to assist this client during ambulation to ensure safety, prevent falls, and provide physical support.

Evaluate the options

Using the Gait Belt Indications and Patient Ambulation Safety knowledge points:

• walker, crutches, and cane: These are mobility assistive devices used by the client to support weight-bearing and balance. While a client may eventually use a walker, the question asks what assistive device the nurse will use to facilitate and secure the client's ambulation.
• gait belt: A gait belt is an assistive safety device worn around the client's waist that the nurse holds onto to provide stability, prevent falls, and safely guide the client during ambulation.

Determine the correct intervention

Using the Gait Belt Indications knowledge point:
The nurse uses a gait belt to maintain a secure grip on the client, allowing the nurse to assist with balance and quickly stabilize the client if they begin to lose their footing or fall. Therefore, the gait belt is the direct assistive device used by the nurse to facilitate safe ambulation.

Answer:

• walker
• crutches
• cane
• gait belt (Correct answer)