Nurse Katrina would recognize that the demonstration of crutch walking with tripod gait was understood when the client places weight on the:
A. Palms of the hands and axillary regions
B. Palms of the hand
C. Axillary regions
D. Feet, which are set apart
Correct Answer: B. Palms of the hand
The palms should bear the client’s weight to avoid damage to the nerves in the axilla. This is the most used technique. The left and right crutch along with the injured leg are both advanced while the uninjured leg supports the body weight. Next, the uninjured leg is advanced. Hand grips are part of each class of crutches. They serve as a significant connection between the crutch and the user. Hand grips have always been adjustable in the up, down, forward and back positioning depending on the crutch.
Option A: Placing the weight on the palms of the hands are correct, but the nerves of the axillary area could be damaged if it bears the client’s weight. Crutch palsy is observable in axilla crutch users who rest their weight on the shoulder rest. The pressure on the brachial plexus can result in palsy to the radial and ulnar nerves. Extra padding on the shoulder rest can aid in preventing crutch palsy. Education should be provided to patients to discourage supporting body weight on the shoulder rest. With treatment, this can be a repairable injury.
Option C: The axillary area should never bear the client’s weight because the nerves might be damaged. The user’s strength and coordination should undergo evaluation before issuing them a set of crutches. The use of the wrong crutches can lead to injury. Most injuries are a direct result of falling.
Option D: Placing the weight on both feet would not allow the client to lift the crutches properly. Through offloading body weight to the injured extremity optimal conditions are provided to allow healing of acute injuries. Crutches provide ambulatory support and mobility options to those with neurologic injuries or chronic orthopedic injuries enabling the individual to stay mobile and active.