Adverse Effects WC Questions

Question 1

When observing your patient, you notice their knees are elevated above the seat level.

Question: What adverse effect could this cause?

increased pressure on ischial tuberosities
decreased trunk support
poor posture & difficulty propelling the WC
increased pressure at the popliteal area & compromised circulation

Answer 1

increased pressure on the ischial tuberosities

Question 2

A patient using a wheelchair with a seat that is too low complains of discomfort in their lower back and difficulty with transfers.

Question: What is the likely cause of their discomfort?

Increased pressure on posterior thighs
Decreased trunk support and difficulty propelling the wheelchair
Increased pressure on ischial tuberosities and difficulty with transfers
Decreased foot clearance from the floor

Answer 2

increased pressure on ischial tuberosities & difficult with transfers

Question 3

A wheelchair user complains of poor trunk stability, and you observe that the seat height is too high.

Question: What additional effect does this improper fit have?

Decreased foot clearance
Difficulty performing sit-to-stand
Decreased ability to propel the wheelchair
Excess pressure on lateral thighs

Answer 3

increased ability to propel the wheelchair

Question 4

A patient’s wheelchair seat width is too narrow

Question: What adverse effect might this cause?

Increased pressure on greater trochanters
Difficulty with posture and balance
Increased abdominal discomfort
Difficulty reaching over the armrests

Answer 4

increased pressure on greater trochanter

Question 5

A patient’s wheelchair seat depth is too long, causing the edge of the seat to press against the back of their knees.

Question: What is the likely consequence of this?

Increased weight on ischial tuberosities
Decreased stability due to lack of thigh support
Increased pressure at the popliteal area
Difficulty with transfers due to longer seat depth

Answer 5

increased pressure on popliteal area

Question 6

A patient is experiencing poor posture, leaning forward to reach the armrests of their wheelchair. You notice that the armrests are set too low.

Question: What impact does this have on the patient?

Difficulty propelling the wheelchair
Increased trunk stability
Increased postural deviations
Pressure on the popliteal area

Answer 6

increased postural deviation

Question 7

A patient with a wheelchair backrest that is too high is experiencing irritation around their scapulae.

Question: What other adverse effect might result from a backrest that is too high?

Difficulty propelling the wheelchair
Increased trunk support
Increased foot clearance
Difficulty performing sit-to-stand transfers

Answer 7

difficulty propelling the WC

Question 8

A patient’s wheelchair seat is too wide, making it hard for them to perform sit-to-stand transfers.

Question: Why does a wide seat contribute to this difficulty?

Excess pressure on the popliteal area
Larger distance to transfer from one surface to another
Increased trunk stability
Difficulty reaching the hand rims

Answer 8

larger distance to transfer from one surface to another

Question 9

A patient in a wheelchair has elevated shoulders while trying to maintain balance. You notice that the armrests are too high.

Question: What adverse effect does this improper armrest height have?

Decreased stability and balance
Increased trunk support
Difficulty propelling the wheelchair
Increased pressure on the lateral thighs

Answer 9

difficulty propelling the WC