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Assitive Devices

The document provides instructions for assisting patients with ambulation using crutches, a cane, or a walker. It describes proper techniques for different gaits and ambulation with each mobility aid. Safety measures are emphasized, such as ensuring call bells are within reach and monitoring for signs of fatigue or distress.

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42 views3 pages

Assitive Devices

The document provides instructions for assisting patients with ambulation using crutches, a cane, or a walker. It describes proper techniques for different gaits and ambulation with each mobility aid. Safety measures are emphasized, such as ensuring call bells are within reach and monitoring for signs of fatigue or distress.

Uploaded by

8rvgjxf92k
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CRUTCHES

 Review the medical record and nursing plan of care for conditions that may influence the
patient’s ability to move and ambulate.
 Assess for tubes, IV lines, incisions, or equipment that may alter the procedure for ambulation.
 Assess the patient’s knowledge and previous experience regarding the use of crutches.Determine
that the appropriate size crutch has been obtained.
 Perform hand hygiene
 Identify the patient. Explain the procedure to the patient. Tell the patient to report any feelings of
dizziness, weakness, or shortness of breath while walking. Decide how far to walk.
 Encourage the patient to make use of the stand-assist device, if available.
 Assist the patient to stand erect, face forward in the tripod position . This means the patient holds
the crutches 12 inches in front of and 12 inches to the side of each foot.
For the four-point gait:
a. Have the patient move the right crutch forward 12 inches and then move the left foot forward
to the level of the right crutch.
b. Then have the patient move the left crutch forward 12 inches and then move the right foot
forward to the level of the left crutch.
 For the three-point gait:
a. Have the patient move the affected leg and both crutches forward about 12 inches.
b. Have the patient move the stronger leg forward to the level of the crutches.
 For the two-point gait:
a. Have the patient move the left crutch and the right foot forward about 12 inches at the same
time.
b. Have the patient move the right crutch and left leg forward to the level of the left crutch at
the same time
 For the swing-to gait:
a. Have the patient move both crutches forward about 12 inches.
b. Have the patient lift the legs and swing them to the crutches, supporting his or her body
weight on the crutches
 Continue with ambulation for the planned distance and time.
 Return the patient to the bed or chair based on the patient’s tolerance and condition, ensuring that
the patient is comfortable. Make sure call bell and other necessary items are within easy reach
 Remove PPE, if used.
 Perform hand hygiene

CANE
 make use of a stand-assist aid, either free-standing or attached to the side of the bed, if available,
to move to and sit on the side of the bed.
 Wrap the gait belt around the patient’s waist, based on assessed need and facility policy
 Encourage the patient to make use of the stand-assist device to stand with weight evenly
distributed between the feet and the cane.
 Have the patient hold the cane on his or her stronger side, close to the body, while the nurse
stands to the side and slightly behind the patient.
 Tell the patient to advance the cane 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) and then, while supporting his
or her weight on the stronger leg and the cane, advance the weaker foot forward, parallel with
the cane.
 While supporting his or her weight on the weaker leg and the cane, have the patient advance the
stronger leg forward ahead of the cane (heel slightly beyond the tip of the cane).
 Tell the patient to move the weaker leg forward until it is even with the stronger leg, and then
advance the cane again.
 Continue with ambulation for the planned distance and time. Return the patient to the bed or chair
based on the patient’s tolerance and condition, ensuring the patient’s comfort. Make sure call bell
and other necessary items are within easy reach.
 Clean transfer aids per facility policy, if not indicated for single patient use.
 Remove PPE, if used.
 Perform hand hygiene.

WALKER
 Place the bed in the lowest position, if the patient is in bed.
 Assist the patient to the side of the bed, if necessary. Have the patient sit on the side of the bed.
Assess for dizziness or light headedness. Have the patient stay seated until he or she feels secure
 Assist the patient to put on footwear and a robe, if desired
 Wrap the gait belt around the patient’s waist, based on assessed need and facility policy.
 Place the walker directly in front of the patient . Ask the patient to push him- or herself off
the bed or chair; make use of the stand-assist device, or assist the patient to stand . Once the
patient is standing, have him or her hold the walker’s hand grips firmly and equally. Stand
slightly behind the patient, on one side.
 Have the patient move the walker forward 6 to 8 inches and set it down, making sure all four
feet of the walker stay on the floor. Then, tell the patient to step forward with either foot into
the walker, supporting him- or herself on his or her arms. Follow through with the other leg.
 Move the walker forward again, and continue the same pattern. Continue with ambulation for
the planned distance and time. Return the patient to the bed or chair based on the patient’s
tolerance and condition, ensuring that the patient is comfortable. Make sure call bell and other
necessary items are within easy reach.
 Remove gait belts. Clean transfer aids per facility policy, if not indicated for single patient use.
 Remove gloves and any other PPE, if used.
 Perform hand hygiene.

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