Wheelchair Parts
Which part of a wheelchair is designed to be held when moving the wheelchair?
Hand rim
When ascending a curb in a wheelchair facing forward, which part of the wheelchair touches the curb FIRST?
castor wheels
What is an example of a feature that follows a universal design floor plan?
•Wider doors and halls
•Level-type doorknobs
•Varied height of countertops
•Recessed under sinks, cabinets
Teach ankle pumps, gradual transitions, and use of compression stockings.
Fruity breathe is a sign of...
hyperglycemia
What is the name of the small wheels located at the front of a wheelchair that allow for turns?
Castor wheels
In order to turn a wheelchair in a sharp diameter to the right, the right hand should:
stay still while the left pushes
What is the standard width that a doorway should be per ADA?
32in minimum (36in preferable)
While transitioning the patient from supine to sitting at the edge of the bed (EOB), the patient suddenly reports feeling "lightheaded and fuzzy." The PTA observes the patient becoming pale and diaphoretic. What is the FIRST action the PTA should take?
Assist the patient into a supine position and elevate the lower extremities.
A hemiplegic wheelchair adaption involves lowering the seat height by:
2 inches
Which direction should the footplates of a wheelchair be facing?
Inward or medial
When descending a wheelchair facing forwards, which part of the wheelchair touches the ground FIRST?
Drive wheels
What is the optimal turning radius in a space for a wheelchair user?
5ft x 5ft
A PTA is working with a patient with a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg. What could be expected of O2 sats based off of this reading?
Lower O2 sats
How often should a person sitting in a wheelchair perform pressure relief techniques?
Every 15 minutes
Which part (parts) of a wheelchair can be removed?
Armrests and leg rests
When sitting in a wheelchair and reaching outside of the base of support or towards the ground, which direction should the castor wheels be postioned?
forward or anterior as much as possible
If an ADA ramp is 25 feet long, how tall will the rise be to meet ADA standards?
25in
A T4 spinal cord injury, the PTA notes the patient’s systolic blood pressure has dropped from 110 mmHg to 85 mmHg. The patient begins to report a headache and blurred vision. What is the MOST appropriate immediate intervention?
Lower the tilt table immediately to a flat or head-down position.
When sitting in a wheelchair, the ASIS should be:
level
What part of the wheelchair allows for the chair to be stable while performing a transfer such as standing up?
Wheelchair locks
When ascending a ramp in a wheelchair, what action should the wheelchair user perform?
Lean forward
What is the minimum width for an ADA ramp?
36in (3ft)
A PTA is gait training an elderly patient in the parallel bars. The patient has been on prolonged bed rest. After walking 10 feet, the patient stops, leans heavily on the bars, and states, "I feel like I'm going to faint." Which sequence of actions represents the BEST clinical decision-making?
Immediately sit the patient down in a wheelchair or on a nearby chair and monitor vitals.
Name TWO forces that cause pressure injuries and wounds
friction and shear (+weight)