Assistive devices NCLEX questions for canes. As a nurse providing care to a patient who will be using a cane, it is important that the patient is fitted correctly for the cane, uses the cane properly during ambulation, knows how to go up and down stairs, and how to sit down or get up from a chair or bed with a cane.
In the previous NCLEX review series, I explained about other assistive devices (crutches and walkers), so be sure you check out those reviews too.
Don’t forget to watch the lecture on canes before taking the quiz.
Assistive Devices (Canes) NCLEX Questions
This quiz will test your knowledge on how to use assistive devices for mobility, specifically canes, in preparation for NCLEX.
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Assistive Devices NCLEX Questions for Canes
1. Your patient is using a cane for the first time. Before using the cane, you assess that the cane properly fits the patient. Which findings below demonstrate the cane properly fits the patient? Select all that apply:
A. The arm that is holding the cane is flexed at about a 40 degree angle.
B. The top of the cane is at the level of the greater trochanter.
C. When the patient dangles their arms, the top of the cane is even with the crease of the wrist closest to the hand.
D. There is a 1.5 inch gap between the top of the cane and the axillae.
The answers are B and C. Option B and C are correct because these are the two methods used to determine a proper fit for a cane. Option A is wrong because the arm holding the cane should be flexed at about 15-30 degree angle (NOT 40 degree angle). Option D is wrong because proper measurement of a cane has nothing to do with the axillae region (this is applicable only for crutches).
2. When a patient uses a cane to ambulate, the patient will hold the cane on the?
A. Weak side
B. Strong side
C. It does not matter. The patient should choose what side is the most comfortable for them.
The answer is B. The patient will hold the cane on the strong side (non-injured side).
3. You’re assisting your patient ambulate in the hallway. The patient is learning how to use a cane. While assisting with ambulation, you know it is priority to? Select all that apply:
A. use a gait belt.
B. stand on the patient’s strong side.
C. stand on the patient’s weak side.
D. stand behind the patient.
The answers are A and C. The nurse will apply a gait belt for patient safety, and stand on the patient’s weak side.
4. Which demonstration by the patient below shows that the patient knows how to properly ambulate a cane?
A. The patient holds the cane on the strong side and moves the cane and weak side forward together, and then moves the strong side.
B. The patient holds the cane on the strong side and moves the cane forward, then moves the weak side, and then moves the strong side.
C. The patient holds the cane on the weak side and moves the cane forward, then moves the weak side, and then moves the strong side.
D. The patient holds the cane on the weak side and moves the cane and weak side forward together, and then moves the strong side.
The answer is A: The patient holds the cane on the strong side and moves the cane and weak side forward TOGETHER, and then moves strong side.
5. Fill in the blanks: A patient is going up the stairs with a cane. The patient holds the cane on the ________ side, and moves the _______ leg up onto the step, puts weight on the cane, and then moves the cane and _______ leg up onto the steps.
A. weak, strong, weak
B. strong, strong, weak
C. strong, weak, strong
D. weak, weak, strong
The answer is B. The patient holds the cane on the STRONG side, and moves the STRONG leg up onto the step, puts weight on the cane, and then moves the cane and WEAK leg up onto the steps. Remember from the video UP=GOOD and BAD=DOWN in reference to which leg moves first either up or down the stairs.
6. Fill in the blanks: A patient is going down the stairs with a cane. The patient holds the cane on the ________ side, and moves the cane down onto the step with the _______ leg, and then moves the ______ leg down onto the step.
A. weak, strong, weak
B. strong, strong, weak
C. strong, weak, strong
D. weak, weak, strong
The answer is C: The patient holds the cane on the STRONG side, and moves the cane down onto the step with the WEAK leg, and then moves the STRONG leg down onto the step.
7. You’re educating the patient how to sit down in a chair while using a cane. What statement by the patient demonstrates they did NOT understand your instructions and needs reinforcement?
A. I will slightly extend out the leg on my weak side while sitting down in the chair.
B. I will back up to the chair until I can feel the chair with the back of my legs.
C. I will be sure to hold the cane on my weak side for support while bending to sit down in the chair.
D. When sitting down in the chair, I will place the cane on the side of the chair and place weight on my hands via the arm rests of the chair when sitting down.
The answer is C. All other options are correct, except C. However, option C is wrong because to sit down in the chair the patient will place the cane on the side of the chair (NOT use it to help with bending to sit down…the patient will use the arm rests of the chair to do this) and place weight on the hands via the arm rests of the chair when sitting down.
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