Restorative Skills Ambulation and Mobility Training 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident using a cane should hold it on which side of the body?
- The unaffected (stronger) side (Correct answer)
- The affected (weaker) side
- Either side based on preference
- The dominant hand side always
Correct answer: The unaffected (stronger) side
Holding the cane on the unaffected side shifts weight away from the weaker leg and mimics the natural gait pattern, improving stability.
Question 2: What is the correct sequence when a resident with a right-sided weakness uses a cane to walk?
- Cane forward first, then weak right leg, then strong left leg (Correct answer)
- Strong left leg first, then cane, then weak right leg
- Weak right leg first, then cane, then strong left leg
- Cane and weak leg simultaneously, then strong leg
Correct answer: Cane forward first, then weak right leg, then strong left leg
The cane moves forward first to create a wide base of support, then the weaker leg advances, followed by the stronger leg.
Question 3: What should the restorative aide assess before each ambulation session?
- Resident's pain level, alertness, vital signs if indicated, and footwear (Correct answer)
- Only the resident's blood pressure
- Whether the hallway is clear of staff
- The resident's weight only
Correct answer: Resident's pain level, alertness, vital signs if indicated, and footwear
A pre-ambulation assessment includes the resident's alertness, pain, stability, appropriate non-slip footwear, and vital signs if the care plan requires it.
Question 4: A resident reports feeling dizzy during ambulation. What is the first action?
- Have the resident sit down or return to a chair immediately (Correct answer)
- Continue walking slowly until the dizziness passes
- Remove the gait belt to make the resident more comfortable
- Have the resident lie down on the hallway floor
Correct answer: Have the resident sit down or return to a chair immediately
Dizziness during ambulation is a fall risk; the immediate priority is to safely seat the resident to prevent a fall and then notify the nurse.
Question 5: Which gait pattern is used for a resident who can bear partial weight on both lower extremities with a walker?
- Two-point or four-point gait (Correct answer)
- Swing-through gait
- Non-weight-bearing gait
- Pivot transfer only
Correct answer: Two-point or four-point gait
Two-point or four-point gait allows partial weight-bearing on both legs and is used when residents have some strength bilaterally.
Question 6: When assisting a resident to stand from a chair, where should the aide stand?
- In front of and slightly to the side of the resident (Correct answer)
- Directly behind the resident
- At arm's length in front of the resident
- To the side furthest from the resident's weak leg
Correct answer: In front of and slightly to the side of the resident
Standing in front and slightly to the side allows the aide to hold the gait belt, guide the movement, and quickly respond if the resident loses balance.
Restorative Skills Ambulation and Mobility Training 2
A resident using a cane should hold it on which side of the body?