The nurse is caring for a patient who has just been treated for a broken leg.She needs to teach the patient how to use crutches.Which crutch gait is most appropriate for this patient?
A)Four-point gait
B)Three-point gait
C)Two-point gait
D)Swing-to gait

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The three-point gait requires the patient to bear all weight on one foot.Weight is borne on the uninvolved leg and then on both crutches.The affected leg does not touch the ground during the early phase of three-point gait.It is useful for patients with a broken leg or a sprained ankle.The four-point gait is the most stable of crutch gaits because it provides at least three points of support at all times.The patient must be able to bear weight on both legs.Each leg is moved alternately with each opposing crutch,so that three points of support are on the floor all the time.The two-point is used when the patient has some form of paralysis,such as for spastic children with cerebral palsy.This gait requires at least partial weight bearing on each foot.It requires better balance because only two points support the body at one time.This is the easier of the two swinging gaits.It requires the ability to partially bear body weight on both legs.The swing-to gait is used by patients whose lower extremities are paralyzed,or who wear weight-supporting braces on their legs.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Has Just