Assistive devices NCLEX-RN Practice Questions

Assistive devices NCLEX-RN Practice Questions

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Assistive devices NCLEX-RN Practice Questions help you master safe mobility, transfers, and self-care strategies central to the Basic Care & Comfort domain. This topic spans canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, prostheses, hearing and visual aids, and home safety modifications. You’ll apply principles like body mechanics, proper device measurement, gait sequencing, and stair negotiation to protect clients from falls, nerve injury, and skin breakdown. The following practice questions simulate real NCLEX-RN scenarios, requiring you to prioritize safety, teach client/family techniques, and select appropriate devices for a client’s strength, balance, and cognition. Use these items to improve clinical reasoning and reinforce high-yield concepts you’ll use on exam day and at the bedside.

Q1. While teaching a client with left-sided weakness to use a cane, which instruction is most appropriate?

  • Hold the cane on the stronger side; move the cane forward, then the weaker leg, then the stronger leg
  • Hold the cane on the weaker side; move the cane with the stronger leg first
  • Place the cane 12–18 inches ahead at each step and step past it with both feet
  • Advance the cane and both legs at the same time to keep balance

Correct Answer: Hold the cane on the stronger side; move the cane forward, then the weaker leg, then the stronger leg

Q2. A client using a single-point cane asks how to manage stairs safely. Which teaching is correct?

  • Ascend leading with the stronger leg; descend leading with the cane and weaker leg
  • Ascend and descend leading with the weaker leg for stability
  • Keep the cane on the weaker side during stair climbing
  • Move the cane and stronger leg together, then the weaker leg, on both ascent and descent

Correct Answer: Ascend leading with the stronger leg; descend leading with the cane and weaker leg

Q3. The nurse evaluates walker fit. Which finding indicates correct height and alignment?

  • Handgrips align with the wrist crease/ulnar styloid with elbows flexed 15–30 degrees
  • Handgrips at the level of the client’s greater trochanter with full elbow extension
  • Top of the walker at axilla level to improve support
  • Handgrips aligning mid-palm with elbows flexed 45 degrees

Correct Answer: Handgrips align with the wrist crease/ulnar styloid with elbows flexed 15–30 degrees

Q4. A client with right-leg weakness is learning to ambulate with a standard walker. What sequence should the nurse teach?

  • Move the walker forward, step with the right leg into the walker, then the left leg
  • Move the walker, step with the left leg, then the right leg outside the walker
  • Step first with the stronger leg into the walker, then bring the walker forward
  • Advance the walker and both legs together to maintain balance

Correct Answer: Move the walker forward, step with the right leg into the walker, then the left leg

Q5. How should axillary crutches be fitted for a tall adult to minimize nerve injury?

  • Leave 2–3 finger widths between the axilla and pad; elbows flexed 20–30 degrees
  • Ensure the crutch pad is snug in the axilla; elbows extended
  • Set crutch height to reach the earlobe; elbows flexed 45 degrees
  • Adjust so handgrips align with the shoulder joint when arms hang

Correct Answer: Leave 2–3 finger widths between the axilla and pad; elbows flexed 20–30 degrees

Q6. A client is non–weight-bearing on the left leg. Which crutch gait is appropriate and safely sequenced?

  • Three-point: advance both crutches, then move the right leg beyond the crutches
  • Two-point: move left crutch with right leg, then right crutch with left leg
  • Four-point: right crutch, right leg, left crutch, left leg
  • Swing-to: move both legs forward, then both crutches

Correct Answer: Three-point: advance both crutches, then move the right leg beyond the crutches

Q7. Which sequence reflects correct use of a four-point crutch gait for bilateral lower-extremity weakness?

  • Right crutch, left foot, left crutch, right foot
  • Both crutches, right foot, left foot
  • Left crutch and right foot together, then right crutch and left foot together
  • Both crutches forward, then swing both legs through

Correct Answer: Right crutch, left foot, left crutch, right foot

Q8. The nurse reinforces stair safety with axillary crutches. Which statement shows correct understanding?

  • “Up with the good, down with the bad, and keep weight on the handgrips, not the axilla.”
  • “I’ll always lead with my weaker leg going up to build strength.”
  • “I should press the crutch pads into my armpits to prevent slipping.”
  • “I’ll move both crutches and both legs together for stability.”

Correct Answer: “Up with the good, down with the bad, and keep weight on the handgrips, not the axilla.”

Q9. Which client report suggests improper axillary crutch use and risk for neurovascular compromise?

  • Tingling and numbness in the hands and forearms after ambulation
  • Mild muscle soreness in the quadriceps after first day of use
  • Increased heart rate during stair practice
  • Slight wrist fatigue after 5 minutes of use

Correct Answer: Tingling and numbness in the hands and forearms after ambulation

Q10. Which action best promotes safety when transferring a client from wheelchair to bed?

  • Lock wheelchair and bed brakes, remove footrests, position chair at a 45° angle on the stronger side
  • Place wheelchair parallel to bed and leave brakes unlocked for flexibility
  • Keep footrests down to guide the client’s feet into position
  • Position chair on the weaker side to strengthen that leg

Correct Answer: Lock wheelchair and bed brakes, remove footrests, position chair at a 45° angle on the stronger side

Q11. For which client is a gait belt appropriate during assisted ambulation?

  • Alert client with mild weakness who can bear weight and follow instructions
  • Postoperative client with midline abdominal incision and pain
  • Client with multiple rib fractures and respiratory splinting
  • Obese client with a new colostomy and severe abdominal tenderness

Correct Answer: Alert client with mild weakness who can bear weight and follow instructions

Q12. When is a mechanical lift the safest choice for transfer?

  • Client is non–weight-bearing and requires two trained staff for transfer
  • Client can stand briefly with one-person assist and a gait belt
  • Client refuses; nurse can move the client alone if careful
  • Client ambulates with a walker but is fatigued

Correct Answer: Client is non–weight-bearing and requires two trained staff for transfer

Q13. The nurse plans a bed-to-wheelchair transfer for a paraplegic client using a slide board. Which is the safest approach?

  • Level the surfaces, place the board under the buttocks, use a gait belt, and cue the client to push with arms while sliding across
  • Stand the client and pivot quickly with the slide board as a foot platform
  • Have the client pull on the nurse’s neck while sliding across the board
  • Lift the client under the arms while another staff pulls the legs

Correct Answer: Level the surfaces, place the board under the buttocks, use a gait belt, and cue the client to push with arms while sliding across

Q14. A client is post–total hip arthroplasty. Which assistive device instruction is correct to prevent dislocation?

  • Use a raised toilet seat and a reacher to avoid hip flexion beyond 90 degrees
  • Cross the legs to make dressing easier
  • Bend at the waist to put on socks; avoid using tools
  • Sleep in a low recliner that flexes the hips deeply

Correct Answer: Use a raised toilet seat and a reacher to avoid hip flexion beyond 90 degrees

Q15. Which statement shows correct self-care for a below-knee prosthesis user?

  • “I’ll inspect my residual limb daily with a mirror, keep it clean and dry, use the shrinker, and avoid placing pillows under the knee.”
  • “I’ll wear the prosthesis all night to adapt quickly.”
  • “I’ll massage the incision with scented lotions daily.”
  • “I’ll keep the liner damp to prevent friction.”

Correct Answer: “I’ll inspect my residual limb daily with a mirror, keep it clean and dry, use the shrinker, and avoid placing pillows under the knee.”

Q16. A client’s hearing aid emits feedback (squeals). What should the nurse suggest first?

  • Remove and reinsert the hearing aid for a snug fit and check for cerumen in the ear mold
  • Turn the volume to maximum to overpower ambient noise
  • Clean the device by soaking it in alcohol overnight
  • Store the device in the bathroom for easy access

Correct Answer: Remove and reinsert the hearing aid for a snug fit and check for cerumen in the ear mold

Q17. Which teaching best supports a client with age-related macular degeneration using visual aids at home?

  • Use high-contrast labeling and magnifiers with bright, non-glare lighting
  • Reduce lighting to limit eye strain and avoid magnification
  • Choose patterned rugs to guide walking paths
  • Use tinted glasses indoors to dim the environment

Correct Answer: Use high-contrast labeling and magnifiers with bright, non-glare lighting

Q18. A client with Parkinson disease has tremors that interfere with eating. Which assistive strategy is best?

  • Weighted utensils and a plate guard with elbows supported on the table
  • Thin liquids through a regular straw with the head extended
  • Uncovered soup bowls to allow cooling while eating
  • Small, sharp knives to speed cutting

Correct Answer: Weighted utensils and a plate guard with elbows supported on the table

Q19. Which client would benefit most from a platform attachment on a walker?

  • Client with a wrist fracture and severe rheumatoid arthritis in the hands
  • Client with good grip strength and mild knee osteoarthritis
  • Client with bilateral foot drop requiring ankle-foot orthoses
  • Client with severe visual impairment but normal upper limb function

Correct Answer: Client with a wrist fracture and severe rheumatoid arthritis in the hands

Q20. A client with hemiparesis asks about a quad cane. Which teaching is accurate?

  • A quad cane offers more stability than a single-point cane and should be held on the stronger side
  • A quad cane is held on the weaker side to strengthen it
  • All cane bases provide identical stability
  • Quad canes should be tilted so only two legs touch to prevent rocking

Correct Answer: A quad cane offers more stability than a single-point cane and should be held on the stronger side

Q21. Which statement about forearm (Lofstrand) crutches is correct?

  • They are suited for long-term use and allow maneuverability with weight borne through hands/forearms, not the axillae
  • They are designed only for non–weight-bearing clients
  • They provide less control than axillary crutches for community ambulation
  • They require resting body weight in the axilla during stance

Correct Answer: They are suited for long-term use and allow maneuverability with weight borne through hands/forearms, not the axillae

Q22. Which home modification best reduces bathroom fall risk for an older adult?

  • Install grab bars anchored into wall studs near the toilet and shower, with non-slip mats
  • Use suction-cup grab bars to avoid drilling
  • Place area rugs to absorb water around the tub
  • Keep towels on the floor to step on after showering

Correct Answer: Install grab bars anchored into wall studs near the toilet and shower, with non-slip mats

Q23. The nurse assists a client with left-sided weakness from stroke to transfer from bed to chair. Which step enhances safety?

  • Position the chair on the client’s stronger side and pivot toward the strong leg with a gait belt
  • Ask the client to pull on the nurse’s neck during the pivot
  • Place the chair on the weaker side to strengthen it
  • Have the client sit quickly without reaching back for the armrests

Correct Answer: Position the chair on the client’s stronger side and pivot toward the strong leg with a gait belt

Q24. A new transtibial prosthesis wearer asks about wearing time. Which instruction is best initially?

  • Begin with short wear periods, inspect skin after removal, and gradually increase time as tolerated
  • Wear the prosthesis continuously to toughen the skin quickly
  • Apply lotion under the liner to reduce friction
  • Sleep with the prosthesis to maintain limb volume

Correct Answer: Begin with short wear periods, inspect skin after removal, and gradually increase time as tolerated

Q25. What is essential teaching for home CPAP use in obstructive sleep apnea?

  • Clean the mask and humidifier daily with mild soap, use distilled water, and replace filters per manufacturer
  • Use tap water in the humidifier to increase mineral content
  • Share the device with household members with snoring
  • Skip nights when feeling well to prevent dependence

Correct Answer: Clean the mask and humidifier daily with mild soap, use distilled water, and replace filters per manufacturer

Q26. Which nursing action best promotes safety when assisting a frail client to a bedside commode?

  • Apply a gait belt, lock the wheelchair, ensure non-skid footwear, and stand-by assist during transfer
  • Allow the client to ambulate alone to preserve independence
  • Place the commode on a throw rug to prevent scratching floors
  • Keep IV lines taut to guide movement

Correct Answer: Apply a gait belt, lock the wheelchair, ensure non-skid footwear, and stand-by assist during transfer

Q27. A client with a right hip fracture will use a cane during recovery. Which instruction is correct?

  • Hold the cane in the left hand; move the cane forward, then the right leg, then the left leg
  • Hold the cane in the right hand; move the cane with the left leg
  • Hold the cane on either side; sequence is unimportant
  • Move the stronger leg first to test balance

Correct Answer: Hold the cane in the left hand; move the cane forward, then the right leg, then the left leg

Q28. Pressure relief education for a client who uses a wheelchair most of the day should include which teaching?

  • Perform weight shifts/press-ups every 15–30 minutes for 1–2 minutes
  • Remain seated all day to prevent orthostatic hypotension
  • Use a donut cushion to reduce sacral pressure
  • Elevate legs continuously to reduce pressure on the heels

Correct Answer: Perform weight shifts/press-ups every 15–30 minutes for 1–2 minutes

Q29. A client receives a gel cushion for wheelchair seating. Which statement indicates correct understanding?

  • “I’ll still shift my weight often and avoid donut cushions to prevent skin breakdown.”
  • “The cushion means I don’t need to reposition anymore.”
  • “I’ll place a thick pillow under the cushion for extra softness.”
  • “I’ll sit slightly tilted to one side for comfort.”

Correct Answer: “I’ll still shift my weight often and avoid donut cushions to prevent skin breakdown.”

Q30. Which assistive device is most appropriate for an older adult with bilateral knee osteoarthritis, impaired balance, and poor endurance?

  • Front-wheeled (rolling) walker
  • Single-point cane
  • Axillary crutches
  • Hemi-walker for one-handed use

Correct Answer: Front-wheeled (rolling) walker

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