Canes

- Canes are devices that provide partial support to patients who have weakness or instability on one side of the body. They are used by patients who have arthritis, stroke, or injury on one lower extremity. Canes can be made of wood or metal and have a single tip, a tripod tip, or a quad tip. The most common type of cane is the single-tip cane.

- The nurse should measure the patient for a cane by following these steps:

• Have the patient stand upright with shoes on and arms at the sides.
• Adjust the height of the cane so that it is level with the patient’s wrist when the elbow is flexed at 30 degrees.
• Check that the patient can grip the handle comfortably and securely.

- The nurse should teach the patient how to use a cane by following these steps:

• Instruct the patient to hold the cane in the hand opposite to the affected leg.
• Teach the patient to move the cane forward about 6 inches and then move the affected leg forward to the level of the cane. Then move the unaffected leg past them.
• Teach the patient to use stairs with a cane by following these steps:
  • To go up: Hold the cane in one hand and the handrail in the other. Step up with your unaffected leg first, then bring your affected leg and your cane up to the same step.
  • To go down: Hold the cane in one hand and the handrail in the other. Step down with your affected leg and your cane first, then bring your unaffected leg down to the same step.

- The nurse should monitor for complications such as falls, muscle strain, joint pain, or infection from using a cane. The nurse should also inspect the cane regularly for wear and tear and replace it if needed.