Question

When ambulating the client who is blind, the nurse should: A. Walk one to two steps ahead with the client's hand on the nurse's elbow. B. Walk beside the client while holding her hand. C. Walk one to two steps behind with the nurse's hand on the client's elbow. D. Walk beside the client without touching her.

Short answer

Answer: The most appropriate method for a nurse to help a blind client with walking is to walk one to two steps ahead with the client's hand on the nurse's elbow. This technique, known as "sighted guide," provides the most support, safety, and guidance for the client while maintaining their sense of independence.

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Walk one to two steps ahead with the client's hand on the nurse's elbow.

This option involves the nurse walking slightly ahead of the client and allowing the client to hold onto their elbow. This is a common safety technique called "sighted guide" and is used by professionals when assisting visually impaired individuals. This method gives the client a sense of direction and security as they can feel the nurse's movements and follow along without the risk of bumping into obstacles.

Option B: Walk beside the client while holding her hand.

Holding a client's hand may seem comforting, but it does not provide the level of guidance and support they need while walking. Additionally, it may be less comfortable for the client as it restricts their movement and may make them feel less independent.

Option C: Walk one to two steps behind with the nurse's hand on the client's elbow.

Walking behind a blind client may make it more difficult for the nurse to guide and anticipate obstacles. Additionally, it could make the client feel more anxious since they cannot sense where the nurse is leading them.

Option D: Walk beside the client without touching her.

Walking beside the client without any physical contact may cause disorientation and confusion for the blind client, as they have no means of knowing where the nurse is or where they are being guided.

Summary and Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the correct answer is Option A. When ambulating a blind client, the nurse should walk one to two steps ahead with the client's hand on the nurse's elbow. This "sighted guide" technique provides the most support, safety, and guidance for the client while maintaining their sense of independence.

Key concepts

Nursing Care Procedures

Understanding and implementing proper nursing care procedures is critical when caring for clients with specific needs, such as those who are blind or visually impaired. Nurses must be adept at offering not only medical support but also assistance with daily activities, like ambulation. Ambulating refers to the act of walking or moving from one place to another, which can be a challenging task for individuals who are blind.

Incorporating special techniques into nursing care is essential to ensure safety and independence for such clients. This includes knowing the right way to guide them through different spaces, recognizing how to communicate effectively, and being aware of potential hazards. Proper training in these techniques allows nurses to provide respectful and sensitive care, reinforcing the client's comfort and trust.

Furthermore, documenting the care provided is a key aspect of nursing procedures, as it ensures continuity of care and serves as a legal record for the healthcare facility. As part of their regimen, nurses are also responsible for educating clients and their loved ones on how to safely navigate environments, reinforcing the instructions with practical demonstrations to enhance understanding.

Sighted Guide Technique

The sighted guide technique is a method employed by health professionals to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired with ambulation. It is more than just a practical approach; it is a way to foster autonomy while ensuring safety. The technique typically involves the client placing their hand just above the elbow of the guide (the nurse or caregiver), allowing them to detect movements and navigate safely.

The benefits of this technique include providing a clear path for the client, minimizing the risk of collision with objects, and offering a source of stability.

Key Points of the Sighted Guide Technique

• The guide stands slightly ahead of the client to lead the way.
• The client's grip on the guide's elbow should be firm but relaxed to allow for a full range of motion.
• Effective communication between the guide and the client is vital, with the guide describing the environment and any upcoming changes or obstacles.
• It supports the client's confidence and independence by allowing them to walk at their own pace with trusted guidance.

When executed correctly, the sighted guide technique enhances the independence of clients who are blind or visually impaired, while ensuring their safety and well-being during ambulation.

NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation

Preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is a significant step toward becoming a licensed practical nurse. It assesses the competency and readiness of nursing graduates for entry-level nursing practice. Understanding nursing care procedures like the sighted guide technique is just one aspect of the comprehensive knowledge required to succeed on this exam.

To prepare, students should engage in rigorous study, which includes familiarization with patient care scenarios, nursing theories, and ethical practices. Special emphasis should be placed on practice questions that reflect the exam's format.

Tips for NCLEX-PN Success

• Review study materials that cover a range of nursing topics, including patient rights, safety protocols, and specialized care techniques.
• Take practice exams to become comfortable with the computerized testing format and to identify areas that require further study.
• Join study groups or seek tutoring for difficult topics to gain a deeper understanding and retention of the material.
• Manage your time effectively by creating a study schedule that allows for consistent review up until exam day.

It's also important for students to maintain a healthy balance between studying and rest to avoid burnout. Being well-prepared for the NCLEX-PN not only involves mastering the content but also adopting test-taking strategies that will help navigate the questions efficiently and with confidence.