Final answer:
The cane should be held on the side of the stronger leg to best support the weak leg, and the Nursing Assistant should walk on the weaker side to provide assistance if needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using a cane due to one leg being weaker than the other, the cane should be held on the stronger side to provide optimal support. This use of a cane helps distribute weight more evenly and gives the user increased stability by widening their base of support. As the center of gravity (cg) is crucial to balance, the cane acts to extend the base and lower the cg, particularly useful for patients who have a higher cg, such as in young children or differently in males and females.
As for the presence of a Nursing Assistant (NA) while the patient is walking, the NA should walk on the weaker side. This position allows the NA to be ready to provide support if the patient starts to lose balance or needs assistance. It's also useful for the NA to be where they can best observe the gait and provide physical assistance promptly.