The nurse is demonstrating three-point gait crutch walking to an older adult client who broke a foot while playing soccer with the grandchildren. Which behavior indicates that the client understands proper crutch walking?
Inspects crutches to ensure rubber tips are intact.
Practices bicep and triceps isometric exercises.
Progresses to foot touchdown and weight-bearing of the affected leg.
Bears body weight on the palms of hands during the crutch gait.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Inspecting crutches to ensure rubber tips are intact is important for safety, but it does not indicate an understanding of the proper crutch walking technique. Proper crutch walking involves using the crutches correctly to avoid injury and ensure mobility.
Choice B rationale
Practicing bicep and triceps isometric exercises can help strengthen the muscles needed for crutch walking, but it does not demonstrate an understanding of the actual crutch walking technique. The focus should be on how the crutches are used during walking.
Choice C rationale
Progressing to foot touchdown and weight-bearing of the affected leg is a part of the rehabilitation process, but it does not specifically indicate proper crutch walking technique. Proper crutch walking involves the correct use of crutches to support the body weight.
Choice D rationale
Bearing body weight on the palms of hands during the crutch gait is the correct technique for three-point gait crutch walking. This method ensures that the weight is distributed properly and reduces the risk of injury to the underarms and shoulders.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering PRN oral pain medication without further assessment may not be appropriate, as the client’s pain needs must be fully evaluated before intervening with medication. Pain medication should be administered based on an accurate assessment rather than solely on nonverbal cues.
Choice B rationale
Reviewing the pain medications prescribed is important, particularly if the client is exhibiting signs of uncontrolled pain. However, this intervention should be secondary to further assessment of the client’s current pain status.
Choice C rationale
Administering PRN oral pain medication without further assessment may not be appropriate, as the client’s pain needs must be fully evaluated before intervening with medication. Pain medication should be administered based on an accurate assessment rather than solely on nonverbal cues.
Choice D rationale
Asking the client what is causing the grimacing is the correct intervention to implement first. Nonverbal cues, such as grimacing, can indicate the presence of pain, even if the client denies it verbally. By closely monitoring the client’s nonverbal behavior, the nurse can gather additional information about the client’s pain experience and make appropriate interventions based on a comprehensive assessment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Initiating a fall risk protocol is not necessary when the client demonstrates an upright posture and a smooth, steady gait. Fall risk protocols are typically initiated when there are signs of instability or a history of falls.
Choice B rationale
Recording the client’s ability to perform ADLs safely is the appropriate action. This documentation provides a baseline for the client’s functional status and helps in planning further care. It also ensures that the client’s current abilities are noted for future reference.
Choice C rationale
Determining the client’s activity tolerance is important but not the immediate next step after observing a smooth and steady gait. This assessment can be done later to evaluate the client’s endurance and capacity for physical activities.
Choice D rationale
Teaching the client to shorten the stride to prevent falls is unnecessary when the client’s gait is already smooth and steady. This advice is more relevant for clients who show signs of instability or a tendency to fall.