How should a CNA assist a patient with mobility?

Assisting a patient with mobility in a safe and effective manner involves using appropriate methods and tools tailored to the individual patient's needs. The correct response emphasizes the importance of using assistive devices when required, such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs. These devices can provide support, increase stability, and enhance the patient's independence while minimizing the risk of injury for both the patient and the caregiver.

In situations where a patient may have mobility challenges, an assistive device can help to facilitate movement and ensure that the patient feels secure and confident as they navigate their surroundings. This approach not only promotes safety but also encourages rehabilitation and mobility improvement.

Other methods, such as providing strict instructions without hands-on help, may leave patients feeling unsupported and anxious. Encouraging a patient to walk independently without assistance, especially if they require support, increases the risk of falls. Similarly, lifting a patient without warning is unsafe, as it may cause distress and injury, both to the patient and the caregiver. Therefore, using assistive devices as needed is crucial for effective and safe patient mobility assistance.