Final answer:
When teaching a patient with left leg weakness to use a cane, the nurse should instruct the patient to hold the cane in the right hand, place the cane on the unaffected side, use it for stability on stairs, and avoid heavy leaning for proper balance and support.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse is reinforcing teaching regarding the use of a cane to a patient who has left leg weakness should include certain key points for safe and effective mobility. When using a cane for support due to leg weakness, the following guidance is generally recommended:
- Hold the cane in the right hand to provide support for the left leg, which is the weaker side.
- Place the cane on the unaffected side to help offload some of the weight from the affected leg onto the cane, which promotes balance and stability.
- Use the cane for additional support when navigating stairs, usually holding the railing with one hand and the cane in the other for added safety.
- Avoid leaning heavily on the cane as it might lead to instability; instead, the cane should be used for light support and balance enhancement.
When using assistive devices like canes, it's important to understand the basic functions of balance and stability, such as maintaining a wider base of support and understanding the role of one's center of gravity.