Which equipment would the nurse recommend to foster independence at home for an ambulatory client who has Parkinson disease?

Which equipment would the nurse recommend to foster independence at home for an ambulatory client who has Parkinson disease?

• A. Crutches for ambulation
• B. A trapeze above the bed
• C. A raised toilet seat
• D. Side rails for the bed

Answer: (C)

When promoting independence for someone with Parkinson disease at home, choose devices that reduce effort and risk in everyday tasks. A raised toilet seat makes toileting much easier by increasing the height of the seat, which lowers the amount of bending and the level of balance and strength needed to sit down and stand up. This directly supports independence in a daily activity that patients often struggle with due to bradykinesia and postural instability, and it helps minimize caregiver assistance and fall risk. The other options don’t support independence as effectively. Crutches require steadier, more coordinated gait than many ambulatory PD patients have, making them less practical at home. A trapeze above the bed aids repositioning in bed but doesn’t help with independent toileting or general mobility at home. Side rails provide safety but can limit independence and may create barriers to getting in and out of bed or transferring.

When promoting independence for someone with Parkinson disease at home, choose devices that reduce effort and risk in everyday tasks. A raised toilet seat makes toileting much easier by increasing the height of the seat, which lowers the amount of bending and the level of balance and strength needed to sit down and stand up. This directly supports independence in a daily activity that patients often struggle with due to bradykinesia and postural instability, and it helps minimize caregiver assistance and fall risk.

The other options don’t support independence as effectively. Crutches require steadier, more coordinated gait than many ambulatory PD patients have, making them less practical at home. A trapeze above the bed aids repositioning in bed but doesn’t help with independent toileting or general mobility at home. Side rails provide safety but can limit independence and may create barriers to getting in and out of bed or transferring.