A nurse is performing a gait assessment on a client to evaluate the client's ability to perform ADLs. Which of the following findings indicates a standard gait?

A. The client's shoulders are rounded slightly forward: Slightly rounded shoulders can indicate poor posture or musculoskeletal issues. While minor rounding is common, it is not a defining characteristic of a normal, standard gait and may reflect postural deviations. B. The client's heels touch the ground before their toes: A standard gait involves initial contact with the heel, followed by a smooth rolling motion to the toes during the stance phase. This heel-to-toe pattern indicates normal foot mechanics and weight transfer, reflecting a healthy, functional gait for ADLs. C. The client's dominant foot bears more weight: Unequal weight bearing between the dominant and non-dominant foot suggests an abnormal gait or musculoskeletal imbalance. In a normal gait, weight is distributed evenly between both lower extremities during walking. D. The client looks at the floor when walking: Looking at the floor may indicate visual or balance issues, poor confidence, or gait instability. A standard gait typically involves a forward gaze with a stable, upright posture to maintain balance and coordination.