A practical nurse in an outpatient orthopedic clinic is reinforcing discharge teaching for a client with a postoperative non-weight-bearing right leg cast. The client needs to learn how to safely ascend stairs at home using standard axillary crutches. Place the following steps in the correct chronological order to ensure safe mobility.
- 1Assume a stable tripod stance facing the stairs with crutches positioned securely on the floor.
- 2Support body weight entirely on the crutch handgrips and advance the unaffected left leg onto the step.
- 3Transfer body weight from the crutch handgrips onto the unaffected left leg.
- 4Lift both crutches and the affected right leg simultaneously up to the step.
- 5Re-establish a stable tripod base on the new step and verify balance before continuing.
Answer
The correct sequence is: Assume a tripod stance, support weight on crutches while advancing the unaffected leg, shift weight to the unaffected leg, lift the crutches and affected leg together, and verify balance.
The proper sequence for ascending stairs with crutches and a non-weight-bearing leg follows the fundamental principle of 'up with the good.' The client must first establish a stable tripod base. Next, body weight is supported entirely by the arms on the crutches while the unaffected, strong leg is advanced up onto the step. Once the strong leg is firmly planted, the client shifts their weight onto it, which provides the necessary power to lift the body. Finally, the crutches and the affected leg are brought up simultaneously to the new step, and balance is verified before repeating the process.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Crutch Walking on Stairs (Non-Weight-Bearing)