A patient is using a walker but continues to shuffle their feet instead of lifting them. What is the primary safety concern?

Question

Accepted Answer

Shuffling increases the risk of tripping and falling. Shuffling increases trip and fall risk because the feet don't clear obstacles. While fatigue (A) may occur, it's not the primary safety concern. Arthritis development (C) is not related to shuffling gait. Walker wear (D) is not a patient safety issue. CNAs are trained to observe gait patterns and correct unsafe ambulation techniques that increase fall risk.