DME

Question 1

Canes

Answer 1

These aids provide balance and allow for the transfer of weight off a weakened leg. The height of the cane must be adjusted to the individual patient. Wood canes must be cut. Metal canes are adjustable.

Question 2

Correct Height Measurement for Canes

Answer 2

The elbow should be at a 25 degree angle or when standing with arm down the top of the cane should come to the crease in the wrists.

Question 3

Folding Cane

Answer 3

fold to allow for easy transport or storage when not in use.

Question 4

Quad Cane

Answer 4

a metal cane that has a quadrangular base with four legs. This allows for greater weight transfer. The base of the quad cane comes in two sizes. The larger base provides greater stability but is more difficult to manipulate because of the size and weight.

Question 5

Hurrycane promoted features

Answer 5

Stabilizes like a foot
Pivots like an ankle
Bends like a knee
Changes height

Question 6

Seat Canes

Answer 6

Contain an area that can be folded down and used to sit on. They are useful for individuals who cannot walk long distances without resting.

Question 7

Crutches

Answer 7

may be used by patients with temporary disabilities (e.g., sprains, fractures) or by those with chronic conditions. They are used to take all the weight off an injured or weakened leg. The crutches are used in place of the leg.

Question 8

Axillary Crutch

Answer 8

is typically used for temporary disabilities. The top of the crutch should be 2 inches below the axilla to prevent “crutch paralysis” (i.e., injury to the axillary nerves, blood vessels, and lymph nodes). The height of the handgrip should be set so that the elbow forms a 25 degree angle.

Question 9

Parts of an axillary crutch

Answer 9

Crutch body
Hand grips
Rubber bottom
Rubber arm rest

Question 10

Forearm crutch

Answer 10

(also called a Canadian or Lofstrand crutch) - remains in position by attaching to the forearm by a collar or cuff. It is commonly used by patients who need crutches on a long-term basis.

Question 11

Quad crutch

Answer 11

is a forearm crutch with a quadrangular base that has four legs. The base is attached to the crutch with a flexible rubber mount. This allows for more stability and constant contact with the ground.

Question 12

Platform crutch

Answer 12

contains a rectangular area in which to place the forearm. The crutch may be held by a handgrip or secured by a belt that wraps around the forearm. It is commonly used by patients who do not have enough hand strength and control for a forearm crutch.

Question 13

Walker

Answer 13

lightweight rectangular-shaped devices that are made of metal tubing and have four widely placed legs. Walkers are used by patients who need more support than a cane or crutch or who have trouble with balance during ambulation. The use requires reasonably good arm, hand, and wrist function. The patient holds onto the walker and takes a step, then moves the walker and takes another step.

Question 14

Hemi or Side walker

Answer 14

placed to the side of the patient instead of in front of the patient.

Question 15

Reciprocal walker

Answer 15

contains two hinges, one on each side of the walker. This allows the user to swing each side alternately during ambulation.

Question 16

Rollator

Answer 16

a walker with wheels on all four legs. The movement is controlled by hand brakes.

Question 17

Seat Lift Chair

Answer 17

Tilts forward or lists the individual to assist them in transitioning from a sitting to standing position or vice versa.

Question 18

Wheelchairs

Answer 18

Many different types of wheelchairs are available. The patient’s disabilities, size, weight, and activities are the main considerations in wheelchair selection. See the reading for additional details.

Question 19

Hospital beds

Answer 19

Used for individuals with mobility limitations who cannot get to their bed or for individuals who require special positioning.

Question 20

Manual hospital bed

Answer 20

Head, foot and bed height are adjusted manually

Question 21

Semi electric hospital bed

Answer 21

Head and foot height are adjusted by electric motors. Bed height is adjusted manually

Question 22

Fully electric hospital bed

Answer 22

Head, foot and bed height are adjusted by electric motors

Question 23

Safety Rails

Answer 23

Assist the patient in moving in the bed and keeps them from falling out of bed while sleeping.

Question 24

Elevated toilet seat

Answer 24

used to increase the height at which the patient sits over the toilet. This assists patients with limited mobility in getting on and off the toilet.

Question 25

Toilet Safety Rails

Answer 25

allow the patient to transfer weight from the feet to the hands, and they help to prevent the patient from falling when getting on or off the toilet.

Question 26

Commodes

Answer 26

portable toilets that are used by patients who cannot get to the bathroom. Commodes contain a frame (with or without a backrest), a seat, and a bucket. Some are adjustable in height and have arms that drop to facilitate transfer to and from the commode. Folding commodes are available to make storage easier.

Question 27

Three-in-one Commode

Answer 27

functions as a commode, elevated toilet seat, and toilet safety rails. These are beneficial for patients requiring varying assistance during recuperation.

Question 28

Bath Benches

Answer 28

seats with or without a back that fit in the bathtub and allow the patient to sit while taking a shower.

Question 29

Transfer Benches

Answer 29

placed over the outside of the bathtub. They are available with or without a back. A transfer bench assists the patient in getting into the bathtub and serves as a bath bench while the patient takes a shower.

Question 30

Grab bars

Answer 30

attach to the wall around the bathtub or to the bathtub itself to assist patients in getting on and out of the bathtub.