The nurse is assisting a patient with ambulation after a femur fracture. When educating the patient on safe walker use, the nurse should provide the following instructions:
Explanation
• The walker should be moved first, followed by a step forward with the affected leg, then a step with the unaffected leg.
• The walker should have all four tips or wheels on the ground and the patient should be looking ahead when they take steps forward to avoid hazards.
• The walker should be adjusted to ensure the handles are in line with the hips and that elbows are slightly bent when grasping them.
• The other answer choices do not describe the proper use of a walker.