A patient who is to have no weight bearing on the left leg is learning to walk using crutches. Which observation by the nurse indicates the patient can safely ambulate independently?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients are usually taught to move the crutches and the injured leg forward at the same time and then to move the unaffected leg. Patients are discouraged from using furniture to assist with ambulation. The patient is taught to place weight on the hands,not in the axilla,to avoid brachial plexus damage. If the 2- or 4-point gaits are to be used,the crutch and leg on opposite sides move forward,not the crutch and same-side leg.

A Patient Who Is to Have No Weight Bearing on the Left