A patient uses a cane after an injury. On which side should the cane be held?

Prepare for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Test. Study with interactive quizzes and detailed explanations. Boost your exam readiness with our diverse question formats and in-depth content coverage.

Holding the cane on the side opposite the injured leg provides a stable counterbalance and unloads the injured limb. When the cane is in the hand of the sound side, weight is shifted through the cane and the healthy leg, allowing the injured leg to advance with less load. This pattern improves balance and reduces fall risk. If the cane were on the same side as the injury, weight would be directed toward the injured side, compromising stability. Therefore, the cane should be held opposite the injury.