A nurse is educating a client who sustained a right fractured tibia and is prescribed non-weight-bearing status on the affected leg. The client is learning how to ascend a flight of stairs using a three-point crutch gait. Arrange the following instructions in the correct chronological sequence.
- 1Stand in the tripod position facing the bottom of the stairs.
- 2Transfer body weight completely onto the handgrips of the crutches.
- 3Advance the unaffected leg onto the stair tread.
- 4Shift body weight from the crutches to the unaffected leg.
- 5Bring the crutches and the affected leg up to the stair tread.
Answer
The correct sequence involves establishing a tripod position, shifting weight completely to the crutches, advancing the unaffected leg to the step, transferring weight to the unaffected leg, and finally bringing the crutches and affected leg up to the same step.
When ascending stairs with crutches, the client must first establish a stable base (tripod position) and support their body weight on the crutches. This securely frees the unaffected (strong) leg to be lifted onto the step. Once the strong leg is on the higher step, the client shifts their weight onto it, utilizing the strength of the unaffected leg to elevate the rest of the body. Finally, the crutches and the affected leg are brought up to the same step. This exact sequence follows the fundamental orthopedic principle of 'up with the good'.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Assistive Device Ambulation: Three-Point Gait Stair Ascent