A client presents with a new onset of right foot drop after a stroke, requiring the use of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). The nurse is educating the client's family on safe mobility. Which statement by the family member indicates a need for further teaching?

Question: A client presents with a new onset of right foot drop after a stroke, requiring the use of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). The nurse is educating the client's family on safe mobility. Which statement by the family member indicates a need for further teaching?

Answer options:

• "We should check his skin under the AFO daily for redness or irritation."
• "The AFO will prevent his foot from dragging when he walks."
• "He should wear a thin cotton sock under the AFO to protect his skin." ✅ "It's okay for him to wear his regular loose-fitting shoes with the AFO."

Correct answer: "It's okay for him to wear his regular loose-fitting shoes with the AFO."

Explanation: Clients using an AFO typically require shoes that fit properly over the orthosis to ensure stability and comfort. Regular loose-fitting shoes may not accommodate the AFO or provide adequate support, increasing the risk of falls or skin breakdown. The AFO itself makes the shoe fit differently and requires careful selection.