Fall prevention/ gait training
Who typically gait trains a patient?
A PT (physical therapist)
Define 4-point gait
4 points (left and right crutches, left and right legs) on the ground at once.
What are canes and walkers considered?
Assistive devices
what age group is most likely to use crutches?
younger generation (not elderly)
What is "to walk"
Ambulate
What is the name of the instrument used to measure joint flexibility?
Goniometer
What kind of grasp should you use when holding a gait belt
Underhand grasp
what can you use on a patient who is learning to use their walker?
Gait Belt
Why do we keep weight off the armpit when using crutches?
Because there is a brachial plexus
What is "The way in which a person walks"
Gait
Name three things a PT will teach a patient when they are learning how to walk.
*any of the three answers below are accepted
-walk correctly
-Walk on different surfaces (grass, gravel, carpet, etc.)
-Go up and down stairs
-Get in and out of a wheelchair
- how to use their assistive device if one is needed
What should you never allow a patient to do during a transfer?
place their hands on your body
On what side of the patient is the cane held
The patient's strong side
What complication can occur if there is constant pressure under the armpit from the use of crutches?
Nerve damage
What is "to teach someone to walk"
gait training
What should you do if a patient falls?
Get the nurse to assess them for injuries before moving them
What is the name of the gait pattern that starts with the ankle in dorsiflexion and has the heel striking the floor first?
Normal gait pattern
At what level is the cane held?
At the level of the patients Greater Trochanter
What type of patient would use Metal forearm Crutches?
Patients who have weakness in both legs
What are the things that help people walk called?
assistive devices
Name at least three things a PT will measure before initiating an ambulation program for a patient.
- Tolerance to move in bed
-joint range of motion
-ability to participate in active exercise
-ability to safely transfer with minimal assistance
-ability to stand and bear weight
-strength, endurance, balance
-ability to walk alone
What 2 things should you document after ambulating a patient who uses a two-point gait with a walker?
-The distance the person ambulated
- Their tolerance of the procedure
What type of canes provide a wide base of support
Quad and Tripod canes
What type of crutches would a patient who has post-polio syndrome use?
Metal forearm crutches
define brachial plexus
network of nerves that run through your upper arm