Caregiver Mobility Assistance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Where should a gait belt be positioned when assisting with walking?
- Around the chest
- Around the waist over clothing (Correct answer)
- Around the hips below the waist
- Around the caregiver's waist
Correct answer: Around the waist over clothing
A gait belt goes around the client's natural waist over clothing, snug enough to grip with room for two fingers.
The gait belt provides stable support during ambulation and transfers. The caregiver grips from behind with an underhand grasp. Never use on clients with recent abdominal surgery, colostomy, or severe respiratory conditions.
Question 2: How should a client use a standard walker?
- Lift it and place it one arm's length ahead, then step into it (Correct answer)
- Slide it along the floor continuously
- Place it as far ahead as possible and rush to it
- Hold it to one side while walking
Correct answer: Lift it and place it one arm's length ahead, then step into it
Lift the walker, place it about one arm's length ahead with all four legs stable, then step forward one foot at a time.
Proper technique: lift and place one arm's length ahead, step with the weaker leg first, then the stronger leg. Stand upright rather than leaning over. Never place too far ahead as this increases fall risk.
Question 3: Which is a fall risk factor caregivers should monitor?
- Regular exercise
- Medications that cause dizziness (Correct answer)
- Properly fitted shoes
- A nightlight in the bathroom
Correct answer: Medications that cause dizziness
Medications causing dizziness, drowsiness, or blood pressure changes are significant fall risk factors.
High-risk medications include sedatives, blood pressure medications, diuretics, antidepressants, and opioids. Risk increases with polypharmacy. Monitor for dizziness upon standing and ensure clients change positions slowly.
Question 4: What is orthostatic hypotension and how should it be addressed?
- High BP when lying down; elevate legs
- Sudden BP drop when standing; have the client sit at bed edge first (Correct answer)
- Increased heart rate during exercise; stop activity
- Low BP during sleep; wake frequently
Correct answer: Sudden BP drop when standing; have the client sit at bed edge first
A sudden blood pressure drop when standing causes dizziness. Have the client dangle legs at the bedside for 1-2 minutes before standing.
Defined as a drop of 20+ mmHg systolic or 10+ mmHg diastolic within 3 minutes of standing. Common in elderly and those on BP medications. Encourage adequate fluids and slow position changes.
Question 5: Going upstairs with a cane, which goes up first?
- Cane, then strong leg, then weak leg
- Cane, then weak leg, then strong leg
- Weak leg, then cane, then strong leg
- Strong leg, then cane, then weak leg (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Strong leg, then cane, then weak leg
Going up: strong leg first, then cane and weak leg follow. Remember: 'Up with the good, down with the bad.'
The strong leg leads going up, doing the work of lifting body weight. Going down: cane first, then weak leg, then strong leg controls descent. Stand behind on the weak side going up, in front going down.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of passive range-of-motion exercises?
- Build cardiovascular endurance
- Maintain joint mobility when the client cannot move independently (Correct answer)
- Replace physical therapy
- Increase muscle mass
Correct answer: Maintain joint mobility when the client cannot move independently
Passive ROM exercises maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures when clients cannot perform active movement.
PROM involves the caregiver moving joints through their available range without client muscle effort. Benefits include maintaining flexibility, preventing contractures, and improving circulation. Perform gently without forcing past resistance.
Caregiver Mobility Assistance 2
Where should a gait belt be positioned when assisting with walking?