A nurse is reinforcing teaching about ambulating using a cane with a client who has left-sided weakness. Which of the following actions by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Ambulation with a cane is a mobility aid technique used to improve stability, balance, and weight distribution in clients with unilateral weakness. In conditions such as left-sided weakness, the cane should be used on the stronger (unaffected) side to provide optimal support during gait. Proper sequencing of cane and leg movement is essential to maintain safety and prevent falls. Teaching focuses on coordination of movement, weight-bearing support, and correct cane positioning. Rationale: A. Positioning the cane 30.5 cm (12 in) to the side of the body is incorrect because the cane should be placed close to the body, typically about 15 cm (6 in) from the foot. Placing it too far away reduces stability and increases the risk of loss of balance. Proper positioning ensures effective weight support and safe ambulation. B. Advancing the cane 40.64 cm (16 in) with each step is incorrect because the cane should only be moved a short distance ahead, approximately 15–20 cm (6–10 in). Moving it too far forward disrupts balance and reduces the ability to properly shift weight during walking. This increases the risk of falls and improper gait mechanics. C. Moving the right foot forward first is incorrect for a client with left-sided weakness using a cane. The correct sequence is to move the cane and the weaker (left) leg together, followed by the stronger (right) leg. This ensures stability and appropriate weight distribution during ambulation. D. Placing the cane on the right side is correct because the cane should be used on the unaffected (stronger) side of the body. In this case, the client has left-sided weakness, so the right hand supports the cane. This allows the cane to support the weaker side during movement and improves balance and safety.