Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 64%
Simulated
The nurse is assessing a client with a lower leg cast who has just been measured and fitted for crutches. Which observation should help the nurse determine if the client's crutches are fitted correctly?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
When using crutches, for optimal upper extremity leverage, the elbow should be at approximately 30 degrees of flexion when the hand is resting on the handgrip. The top of the crutch needs to be two to three finger widths lower than the axilla. When crutch walking, all weight needs to be on the hands to prevent nerve palsy from pressure on the axilla. Therefore, options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect.