A nurse is instructing a client who is non-weight-bearing on the left leg due to a fractured tibia on how to safely ascend a flight of stairs using crutches. Arrange the following steps of a three-point gait in the correct sequential order.
- 1Place body weight entirely onto the crutches.
- 2Advance the unaffected right leg up onto the step.
- 3Transfer body weight from the crutches to the unaffected right leg.
- 4Bring the crutches and the affected left leg up to the same step.
- 5Establish a stable tripod base of support before initiating the next step.
Answer
The correct sequence is to place weight on the crutches, step up with the unaffected right leg, transfer weight to the right leg, bring the crutches and affected left leg up, and finally re-establish a stable tripod base.
When teaching a client to ascend stairs with a three-point gait, the nurse must emphasize the principle of 'up with the good.' The safe sequence begins by the client placing full weight on the crutches. Next, the unaffected (right) leg is advanced up to the stair. The client then transfers their body weight onto the strong right leg. Following this, the crutches and the affected (left) leg are brought up together to the same step. Finally, the client must ensure a stable tripod position is re-established before taking the next step. This sequence ensures safety, maintains balance, and prevents accidental weight-bearing on the affected limb.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Ascending stairs with crutches requires the 'up with the good' sequence, utilizing the unaffected leg to lift the body's weight.