Mobility and Transfer Techniques Flashcards

When a patient uses a standard walker for ambulation, how far ahead should the walker be advanced with each step?

Answer: About one arm's length, keeping it within a small step

Advancing the walker one small step ahead keeps the patient's center of gravity stable and reduces fall risk.

A patient has right-sided weakness. In which hand should a standard cane be held?

Answer: Left hand, on the strong side

A cane held on the strong side offloads weight from the weak leg during the stance phase of gait.

When assisting a patient with a cane to climb stairs, the correct sequence is:

Answer: Strong leg first, then cane, then weak leg

Going up stairs: strong leg leads so it does the work of lifting the body up to the next step.

The correct handle height for a properly fitted standard walker is at the level of the patient's:

Answer: Hip bone (greater trochanter) with arms slightly bent

Walker handles at the hip bone allow 20–30 degrees of elbow flexion, which is the optimal position for safe weight bearing.

A patient with a walker approaches a standard threshold. The HHA should instruct the patient to:

Answer: Slide the walker over the threshold first, then step over

Moving the walker over the threshold first ensures the patient has a stable support ready before stepping.

When ambulating a patient with a gait belt, the HHA should position themselves:

Answer: Slightly behind and to the patient's weaker side, grasping the belt

Standing slightly behind on the weaker side lets the HHA provide the most effective support if the patient begins to fall.

A quad cane provides more stability than a single-point cane primarily because:

Answer: Its four-point base creates a wider contact area with the floor

Four contact points on the floor significantly increase the base of support and reduce the chance of the cane slipping.