In MS nursing care, which focus supports safe mobility and independence?

• A. Provide only medication management
• B. Education on assistive devices and safety measures (cane, walker, wheelchair, braces)
• C. Encourage complete bed rest
• D. Disregard patient safety interventions

Answer: (B)

The focus being tested is empowering safe mobility and independence through practical support and education about assistive devices and safety measures. In MS, people may experience weakness, balance problems, fatigue, and sensory changes that make walking and transfers risky. Teaching patients about how to use assistive devices—what fits their level of impairment, how to wear and adjust braces, and how to operate a cane, walker, or wheelchair safely—directly promotes independence while reducing the chance of falls or injury. Education also covers safety practices like proper transfer techniques, device maintenance, energy-conservation strategies, and adapting the home environment to minimize hazards, all of which help maintain mobility over time.

Medication management is important but doesn’t address daily mobility and safety on its own. Encouraging complete bed rest would lead to deconditioning and independence decline. Disregarding safety interventions would raise fall risk and compromise safety. By focusing on educating about and fitting assistive devices and safety practices, the patient can move more safely and maintain autonomy.