6b

• can mobilise PWB on their right leg with elbow crutches following knee surgery. Ensuring the crutches are safe to use, teach them how to go up and downstairs without a hand rail – EC and STAIR

  • first ensure safety of frame
  • then get pts onto frame
  • then ensure safety of crutches
  • then adjust crutches
  • then sit pts back down
  • then make patient stand up with crutches
  • then do stairs
• FRAME SAFETY CHECK

  • safety checks are similar to the crutches
  • ferrules must have good grip on it and are securely on the legs
  • the poppers must be visible and are stable
  • the poppers must be at the same level on each leg
  • the shafts must maintain their integrity - shouldnt be any dents, as it may collapse if someone puts their weight on it
  • there should be a sticker saying its been confirmed for safety (same as crutches)
  • the handles mustnt have any cracks
• CRUTCHES SAFETY CHECK

  • shouldn't be able to move the ferrules at all
  • need to make sure theres no wear in the holes
  • the poppers should be able to come out
  • the handle shouldnt be able to move around
  • the handle pivot should be firm
  • no damage or loose bolts by the elbow cuff
• measure for crutches:

  • the top of the handle should be in line with the styloid process (can also use the wrist crease) whilst the arm is relaxed by the side
  • patients taller than 5"11 require longer crutches
  • get pts to stand up using the arms of the chair and hold onto a Zimmer frame when measuring (only hold onto frame after standing up)
  • stand next to pts at all times
  • after arms are in crutches get pts to lean forwards with crutches and bring injured leg forward to make a triangular base of support
• can mobilise PWB on their right leg with elbow crutches following knee surgery. Ensuring the crutches are safe to use, teach them how to go up and downstairs without a hand rail – EC and STAIR

  • good leg to heaven (on the way up place good leg up first, followed by injured legs and crutches)
  • bad leg to hell (on the way down place injured leg and crutches down first)
  • place toes to the front of the stair
• can mobilise PWB on their right leg with elbow crutches following knee surgery. Ensuring the crutches are safe to use, teach them how to go up and downstairs without a hand rail – EC and STAIR

  • TELL AND EXPLAIN TO PATIENT THAT THEYRE PARTIAL WEIGHTBEARING!!!!