A 78-year-old man has osteoarthritis of the right hip and requires a cane in order to ambulate. While instructing the patient how to use a cane, the nurse should tell the patient to:

Explanation

• When a cane is used to provide stability for a patient with injury or disability of the hip or knee, the cane should be on the unaffected side, with the base about two feet from the patient's little toe. 

• The patient should take a step with the affected leg and bring the cane forward at the same time. Move the cane and affected leg forward together.

• The cane should be held close to the body to prevent leaning and promote stability.

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