Gait (Pt Care Ch. 9, Big Red Ch. 7)

Question 1

Gait belt contras

Answer 1

Obstructions in the abdominal area
Colostomy bag
Rib fractures
Abdominal or back surgeries
Pregnancy

Question 2

What are parallel bars used for?

Answer 2

• pt needs max stability
• require least amount of coordination
• balance training
• teaching gait patterns

Question 3

Adjusting parallel bars

Answer 3

• 20°-25° of elbow flexion
• greater trochanter, wrist crease, or ulnar styloid process

Question 4

When is a tilt table used?

Answer 4

• pt needs to acclimate to upright position
• prolonged time in bed
• recent surgery
• poor balance/proprioception
• generalized weakness
• orthostatic hypotension
• prepare for upright activities

Question 5

What angle do you put tilt table at?

Answer 5

• 70°-80° for 15-20 min is usually sufficient to return to upright activities
• 90° not always necessary

Question 6

When to use supported suspension ambulatory aid?

Answer 6

• pt needs to be partially unweighted during gait or standing
• stoke, SCI, severe balance impairments

Question 7

Walker

Answer 7

• max stability and support (less than parallel bars)
• 4 points touching ground (mostly)
• 2 or 4 wheels (occasionally 3)
• at least WB one LE, NWB on other

Question 8

Walker advantages/disadvantages

Answer 8

• lightweight, many types
• difficult to store
• difficult to use on stairs
• reduced ambulation speed
• difficult to perform normal gait pattern

Question 9

Axillary crutches

Answer 9

• less stability/support
• greater selection of gait patterns
• greater speed

Question 10

Axillary crutches advantages/disadvantages

Answer 10

• easily adjustable/stored/transported
• easy to use on stairs
• lightweight
• less stable
• injury to axillary nerves/arteries/veins
• require functional UE and trunk

Question 11

Lofstrand curtches advantages/disadvantages

Answer 11

• easy to store/transport
• cuff keeps crutch on forearm when not in use
• less stable
• require functional UE and trunk
• difficult to remove

Question 12

Platform crutches advantages/disadvantages

Answer 12

• alternative grip for pts with hand/wrist/finger deformities
• alternative WB surface
• difficult to apply/remove
• more difficult to use on stairs
• cannot use triceps

Question 13

Canes

Answer 13

• 1+ points
• improved stability (less than walkers or crutches)

Question 14

Canes advantages/disadvantages

Answer 14

• More functional
• small base
• easy to use on stairs
• easy to store/transport
• limited stability