When assessing a client using a cane for left-sided weakness, when should the nurse intervene?

When assessing a client using a cane for left-sided weakness, intervention is necessary if the cane is moved with the right leg. For proper gait assistance, the cane should be advanced with the weak leg, which in this case would be the left leg. This technique provides support and stability when the patient is transferring weight to the weaker side, ensuring better balance and reducing the risk of falls.

Moving the cane with the stronger leg undermines the purpose of using the cane, which is to provide support on the affected side. It can lead to improper weight distribution and instability, increasing the chances of a fall or injury. Therefore, it is critical for the nurse to correct this behavior to promote safe and effective use of the cane.

The other scenarios, while noteworthy, do not necessarily present immediate risk of compromised stability. A cane that is not moving at all might indicate other issues, and a decorative usage or holding the cane behind the body can be seen as ineffective but do not pose an immediate danger to the client's balance during ambulation as moving it improperly does.