A nurse is educating a client who has a right fractured tibia and is prescribed non-weight-bearing status. The client is learning to ascend a flight of stairs using axillary crutches. In what order should the nurse instruct the client to perform the following movements?
- 1Assume the tripod position facing the bottom of the stairs.
- 2Transfer body weight entirely onto the crutches.
- 3Move the unaffected left leg up onto the stair tread.
- 4Shift body weight from the crutches onto the unaffected left leg.
- 5Advance the right leg and both crutches together up to the step.
Answer
The client should first assume a tripod position, transfer weight to the crutches, advance the unaffected leg up the step, shift weight to the unaffected leg, and finally bring the affected leg and crutches up to the step.
When ascending stairs with crutches, the fundamental principle is 'up with the good, down with the bad.' The client must begin with a stable tripod stance, support their weight on the crutches, and step up with the unaffected (strong) leg first. Once the strong leg is on the step, the client shifts their weight onto it and uses its strength to lift the affected leg and the crutches simultaneously up to the step.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Assistive device mobility and safe stair climbing
Estimated Time:1m 30s