An older client with unilateral weakness places the walker in front of the chair for support while rising. What action should the nurse take?

An older client with unilateral weakness places the walker in front of the chair for support while rising. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Hold the walker securely to prevent slipping when the client rises
• B. Apply a gait belt to assist the client to rise out of the chair
• C. Instruct the client to use the arms of the chair for support
• D. Encourage client to use the weaker leg with the walker when rising

Answer: (D)

Engage the weaker leg first when standing and use the walker to stabilize. With unilateral weakness, the safest and most effective way to rise from a chair is to transfer weight onto the affected side and let the walker provide front‑to‑front support as you stand. This pattern encourages use of the weaker leg, promoting strength and balance, while the walker helps prevent sway or a fall during the transition. The stronger leg can assist once the body is upright, but the emphasis is on initiating the rise with the weaker leg and maintaining stability with the walker. Safety is important, so ensure the walker is in place and secure, but the focus should be on weight bearing through the affected side using the walker for support.

Engage the weaker leg first when standing and use the walker to stabilize. With unilateral weakness, the safest and most effective way to rise from a chair is to transfer weight onto the affected side and let the walker provide front‑to‑front support as you stand. This pattern encourages use of the weaker leg, promoting strength and balance, while the walker helps prevent sway or a fall during the transition. The stronger leg can assist once the body is upright, but the emphasis is on initiating the rise with the weaker leg and maintaining stability with the walker. Safety is important, so ensure the walker is in place and secure, but the focus should be on weight bearing through the affected side using the walker for support.