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A nurse is providing teaching about the use of crutches using a three-point gait to a client who has a tibia fracture.

Which of the following actions by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A.

Moving both crutches with the stronger leg forward first.

B.

Supporting his body weight while leaning on the axillary crutch pads

C.

Stepping with his affected leg first when going up stairs

D.

Positioning both hands on the grips with his elbows slightly flexed.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The correct answer is Choice d. Positioning both hands on the grips with his elbows slightly flexed.

Choice A rationale:

  • Moving both crutches with the stronger leg forward first is incorrect for a three-point gait. This describes a two-point gait, which is used when a client can bear weight on both legs. In a three-point gait, the client bears weight on the unaffected leg and the crutches, not the stronger leg.
  • This action would put excessive weight on the affected leg and could potentially compromise healing or cause further injury.

Choice B rationale:

  • Supporting his body weight while leaning on the axillary crutch pads is also incorrect. This can lead to nerve damage in the armpits and should be avoided.
  • The weight should be distributed through the hands and wrists, not the armpits.

Choice C rationale:

  • Stepping with his affected leg first when going up stairs is incorrect and potentially dangerous. The client should lead with the stronger leg when going up stairs to maintain balance and control.

Choice D rationale:

  • Positioning both hands on the grips with his elbows slightly flexed is the correct action for using crutches with a three-point gait. This allows for proper weight distribution, balance, and control of the crutches.
  • It also helps to prevent fatigue and strain in the arms and shoulders.

Key points to remember about the three-point gait:

  • Weight is borne on the unaffected leg and the crutches, not the affected leg.
  • The crutches and the unaffected leg move forward together, followed by the affected leg.
  • The client should look ahead, not down at their feet.
  • The client should take small, even steps.
  • The client should rest as needed.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Testing skin turgor on the abdomen is common in infants and young children, but in older adults, abdominal skin often loses elasticity due to aging, making it an unreliable site for assessment.

Choice B rationale: The skin over the sternum or the subclavicular area (shoulder/chest) is the most reliable site for older adults. These areas typically maintain more elastic tissue, providing a more accurate reflection of hydration.

Choice C rationale: Assessing the stomach is essentially the same as the abdomen. This site is prone to skin sagging and loss of subcutaneous fat in elderly patients, which can lead to false-positive signs of dehydration.

Choice D rationale: The skin on the neck is thin and highly susceptible to wrinkles and sun damage. Lifting the skin here in an older adult will often show "tenting" even if the patient is well-hydrated.

Correct Answer is ["A","C"]

Explanation

A: Review the need for the indwelling urinary catheter daily.
This is correct because indwelling catheters should be removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI).

B: Place the drainage bag on the bed when transporting the client.
This is incorrect because the drainage bag should be kept below the level of the bladder and should not touch the floor to prevent the backflow of urine and contamination of the catheter.

C: Use soap and water to provide perineal care.
This is correct because soap and water can help to remove bacteria and debris from the meatus and prevent infection.

D: Encourage the client to drink 3000 mL of fluid daily.
This is incorrect because the client has a fluid restriction of 1000 mL daily due to heart failure. Excessive fluid intake can worsen the client’s condition and increase the workload of the heart.

E: Change the indwelling urinary catheter tubing every 3 days.
This is incorrect because changing the catheter tubing can increase the risk of infection by breaking the closed drainage system. The catheter tubing should only be changed when it is visibly soiled or malfunctioning.

F: Empty the drainage bag when it is half full.
This is incorrect because the drainage bag should be emptied at least every 8 hours or when it is one-third full to prevent back pressure and infection.

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