A nurse in an orthopedic rehabilitation clinic is providing discharge teaching to a client with a fractured left tibia. The client is prescribed strict non-weight-bearing status for the left leg and is learning to use axillary crutches. When evaluating the client's understanding of how to safely descend a flight of stairs, which statement by the client indicates correct technique?
- AI will step down with my right leg first, and then bring my crutches and left leg down to the lower step.
- BI will move both crutches to the lower step, bear my weight heavily on my armpits, and then step down with my right leg.
- I will move my crutches down to the lower step first, keep my left foot off the ground, and then step down with my right leg.Cevap
- DI will keep both crutches on the upper step for balance, hop down with my right leg first, and then lower my left leg.
Cevap
The statement describing moving the crutches down first, keeping the left foot off the ground, and then stepping down with the right leg demonstrates correct understanding.
When descending stairs with axillary crutches, the correct sequence is to lead with the crutches and the affected extremity ('down with the bad'). The client should first advance the crutches to the lower step while keeping the injured (left) leg lowered but completely off the ground to maintain non-weight-bearing status. The client supports their body weight using their hands on the crutch grips and then steps down with the strong, unaffected (right) leg. This technique ensures a stable base of support is established before the body moves downward.
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Assistive Device Ambulation: Stair Descent with Axillary Crutches