To sit down: Back up until legs touch the chair. Put the rubber ends of the crutches firmly on the ground. This lifts the body upward. Start near the edge of the step. CLIENT TEACHING Using Crutches Push down hard on the crutches with your arms. Place that heel down first. Then move your left foot and right crutch forward. Hold onto the handrail with one hand. Check the lighting in your apartment, consider installing a grab bar, replace scatter rugs with rubber backed rugs, make sure the light near the bed is easy to reach, move the phone within arm’s reach of your bed, easy access to the things you use the most. e. Move the weak leg down to the step with crutches. Weight is placed on both legs, and crutches are placed one stride in front and then legs swing to the crutches. A B Figure 44-61 Types of crutches: axillary, Lofstrand, and platform. B. Instead, use the arms of a stable chair that doesn’t move or slide. SN instructed patient and caregiver about how to implement fall prevention program. In crutch walking, the client’s weight is borne by the muscles of the shoulder girdle and the upper extremities. Keep crutches down on lower level and do not place upward on the steps. Partial weight is placed on the right foot moving the crutch at the same time as the right leg. Tips for Going Down the Stairs on Crutches. h. Repeat for all steps. • Teach the person the correct sequence for going down stairs with a cane: o cane first o weak leg second o strong leg last o If a sturdy rail is available, tell the older adult to use the rail for support and carry the cane in the other hand. Move the foot that is not injured between the crutches. Use hands to feel behind for the seat of the chair or chair arms. Splints or half-casts can also be custom-made, especially if an exact fit is necessary. To go upstairs with a handrail, place one crutch under one arm and use the handrail with the other arm for support. These off-the-shelf splints are made in a variety of shapes and sizes and are much easier and faster to use. Fall precautions Teaching 2626. Identify the order of the steps the nurse should give to the client. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has multiple sclerosis and is learning how to use the four-point alternate gait with crutches. Going Up Stairs. It’s critical that your older adult does NOT use the walker to help them sit or stand. f. Put the total weight on arms and crutches. Crutches. He or she holds your belt (or a special “gait belt” you can borrow or buy) to assist you if you lose your balance. Follow the … Put your crutches down on the next step below. Lift the crutches and move them a step ahead of you. A. c. Move crutches down the next lower step. d. (If there’s no handrail, keep one crutch under each arm.) Here's how to use crutches on the stairs: Approach the stairs and have your therapist stand by for safety until confident of abilities. Have someone guard you as you learn to use stairs. Which of the following statements is appropriate to include? d. Place partial weight on hands and crutches. "Place one crutch forward with the opposite foot and then place the second crutch forward followed by the second foot." Follow the same stepping sequence. Other times, a ready-made splint will be used. "Look down at your feet before moving the crutches." If you are using your crutches for balance, move your right foot and left crutch forward. Position the crutches as if walking. A guard stands below you. b. Before begin-ning crutch walking, exercises that strengthen the upper arms and hands are recommended. Then, step up first with your strong leg to the first step! Step up with the stronger leg, then the injured leg, and lastly bring up the crutch. 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