ATI Basic Care and Comfort Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

The most appropriate device for an older adult client who sometimes loses balance while walking is a gait belt. A gait belt provides a secure hold for the caregiver, allowing them to assist the client safely while they walk. It helps to maintain the client’s stability during ambulation and can also serve as a tool for transferring the client from one place to another with added support.

In the case of a client with balance issues, using a gait belt allows the nurse to guide and catch the client if they begin to lose their balance, promoting safety and preventing falls. This option emphasizes hands-on assistance and maneuverability, which is crucial for individuals who may be unsteady on their feet.

Other options, while supportive in various ways, do not provide the same level of immediate assistance for balance as a gait belt. A walker offers good support but requires the client to be able to use it effectively, which may not always be the case for someone with significant balance issues. A cane provides limited support and may not adequately address the client's needs for stability. A wheelchair is more appropriate for those who are unable to walk safely at all, rather than for someone who needs assistance while walking.