National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

A patient should be advised to walk with a cane in the right hand primarily to achieve what goal?

1. Increase balance during gait

2. Reduce load on the affected limb

3. Strengthen the non-dominant hand

4. Provide psychological support

The correct answer is: Reduce load on the affected limb

In this scenario, advising a patient to walk with a cane in the right hand primarily aims to reduce load on the affected limb. A cane is used as an assistive device that can help to redistribute weight away from a limb that might be weak, injured, or in recovery. When the cane is used in the opposite hand to the affected limb, it allows the patient to offload some of their body weight from the compromised side, which helps to decrease stress on that limb during ambulation. Using a cane in this manner not only provides physical support but also facilitates a more stable gait pattern. While increasing balance during gait is an important benefit and psychological support can be invaluable for patients, the most immediate and distinct advantage in this situation is the reduction of load on the affected limb, allowing for safer and more efficient mobility. Strengthening the non-dominant hand is not typically a primary goal associated with cane use, as the primary focus is on providing stabilization and support to the affected side.