A nurse is using the World Health Organization definition of health to provide care. Which area will the nurse focus on while providing care?

A) Focusing on helping patients be disease free: The World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health goes beyond the absence of disease. It emphasizes the complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, rather than simply the absence of illness. Focusing solely on being disease-free does not align with this holistic view of health.

B) Providing care that involves the whole person: This is the correct approach in line with the WHO definition of health. WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Therefore, the nurse should focus on addressing all aspects of a person’s health, including emotional, social, and physical needs, to promote overall well-being.

C) Assuring that care is strictly personal in nature: While personal care is important, the WHO definition of health emphasizes a broader, more holistic approach that incorporates physical, mental, and social aspects of health, not just personal care. It’s about treating the whole person in context, including their environment and social relationships.

D) Directing focus only on the pathological state: The WHO definition moves beyond just focusing on the pathological (disease) state and emphasizes wellness in all aspects of life. While addressing medical issues is important, focusing solely on pathology ignores the broader concept of health that includes mental and social well-being.

A) The client pushes downward on the handgrips: Pushing downward on the handgrips of the crutches helps the client maintain balance and support, which is crucial for safely using crutches. This action aids in transferring weight and can provide stability during movement. As long as the client does not push too forcefully, this action is appropriate and not a safety risk.

B) The client stands in a tripod position prior to walking: The tripod position is a standard stance for crutch walking, where the crutches are placed slightly ahead and wider than the feet to provide a stable base of support. This position helps prevent the client from losing balance before starting to walk and is essential for maintaining safety while ambulating.

C) The client places partial weight on the affected leg: In a three-point gait, placing partial weight on the affected leg is a proper and necessary action to maintain the correct gait. This allows for proper distribution of weight between the crutches and the unaffected leg. The partial weight-bearing is often part of the rehabilitation process for clients with an injured or weakened leg.

D) The client keeps the elbows in a fixed position: Keeping the elbows in a fixed position during crutch walking can be dangerous, as it limits the client’s ability to adjust their posture or support properly. Flexing the elbows to about 20 to 30 degrees is ideal for balance, shock absorption, and mobility. A fixed elbow position restricts these movements, making it a safety concern because it could lead to muscle strain or decreased control over crutch placement.