Wheelchair Measurements

Question 1

What is the maximum height a door threshold can be while still allowing for wheelchair accessibility?

Answer 1

1/2” and should be bevelled– should be removed

if possible.

Question 2

What is the standard height of a wheelchair seat?

Answer 2

18”. Toilets are typically 15” and should be raised

to accommodate transfers.

Question 3

What is the minimum doorway width for a

wheelchair?

Answer 3

32”

Question 4

To determine seat width: Measure the widest part of the thighs or hips, and _____

Answer 4

add 1–2 inches.

Question 5

To determine seat depth: Measure from the base of the back to the popliteal space of each knee; and _____
inches so that the seat edge does not reach the back of the knee and restrict motion or circula-
tion. Measure both lower extremities to account for discrepancies in length.

Answer 5

subtract 1–2 inches

Question 6

Seat-back height: Measure from the seat surface (including the cushion) to the top of the client’s____
; a ______ may be needed if trunk control is poor.

Answer 6

shoulder

higher back height

Question 7

If minimal trunk support is required, measure from the seat surface (including the cushion)
to the _____

Answer 7

midback, just under the scapulae.

Question 8

Seat angle: Sloping the seat down toward the rear of the wheelchair (seat dump) can help stabilize _____.

Too much sloping can make transfers difficult and cause pressure.

Answer 8

the pelvis

Question 9

Back angle: The back can be reclined to ease discomfort associated with ____ . Too much of a backward angle makes the chair unstable.

Answer 9

hip flexion

Question 10

Armrest height: Measure from the seating surface to the bottom of the client’s ____ the armrest should be about _____

Answer 10

flexed elbow;

1 inch higher.

Question 11

Marginal ambulatory user:

Answer 11

can walk short distances; may need a wheelchair on occasion, especially outdoors; can benefit from intermittent use of a power mobility device such as a scooter

Question 12

Manual wheelchair user:

Answer 12

can propel a manual wheelchair with both upper extremities, both lower
extremities, or one upper and one lower extremity or is pushed by an attendant or caregiver

Question 13

Marginal manual wheelchair user:

Answer 13

can propel a manual wheelchair for short distances; tolerates only limited use because of upper-extremity overuse injury, upper body weakness, lack of endurance, or respiratory problems; may at times use a manual or power wheelchair

Question 14

Totally or severely mobility-impaired user:

Answer 14

is unable to self-propel a manual wheelchair; is dependent on a power chair or attendant

Question 15

Heavy duty chairs (Medicare product code K0006 for clients > ___ lb, K0007 for clients > ___lb) are
designed to be bigger and stronger for clients who are obese or have severe spasticity.

Answer 15

250

350

Question 16

Chairs that recline and tilt are for clients who:

Answer 16

have hip contractures, need to recline to reduce pressure or manage fatigue, or cannot reposition themselves independently or are unable to maintain an upright seated position. They assist in managing ROM, muscle tone, orthostasis, catheterization, and head and trunk control and in enabling visual contact.

Question 17

One-arm drive chairs .

Answer 17

(Medicare product code K0002) are for clients with hemiplegia or one
arm amputated. Axles are linked to allow both wheels to operate from one side

Question 18

Hemi-height chairs

Answer 18

(Medicare product code K0002) are for clients with hemiplegia. Chair height is lower to permit foot propelling. The foot rest for the nonhemiplegic extremity is removed.

Question 19

Extra heavy-duty chairs

Answer 19

(Medicare product code K0007) are for clients who are obese and need larger, stronger chairs (rated for weight >300 lb) to accommodate their weight. Compared with
standard chairs, the rear axle is displaced forward. These chairs have hard, extra wide tires.

Question 20

Pediatric chairs

Answer 20

designed for the dimensions of children and for accommodating growth.

Question 21

Amputee chairs

Answer 21

ecause amputation moves the client’s center of gravity back when seated, have the rear axle set back to increase stability, which compensates for the loss of weight of the missing limb or limbs.

Question 22

Sports chairs

Answer 22

very lightweight chairs (<20 lb) designed for specific sports.

Question 23

A lapboard fits across the armrests to (2 things)

Answer 23

support a weak upper extremity or provide a work surface

Question 24

A lapboard wraps around the client and reduces the overall width of the chair by

Answer 24

about 1 inch

Question 25

Positioning belt: stabilizes the ___ should be positioned so that it pulls on the pelvis at a ___ angle to the base of the seat back

Answer 25

pelvis

45°

Question 26

Hand rim projections: compensate for _____

Answer 26

weak grasp in moving the wheelchair

Question 27

6. Hill holder: prevents the chair from

Answer 27

going backward down a grade

Question 28

Adjustable-tension backrest: replaces the sling backrest; tension is adjusted by loosening and tightening the strapping system; accommodates ____

Answer 28

kyphosis

Question 29

9. Wedge cushion (antithrust seats):______ to aid in preventing forward sliding

Answer 29

front higher than back

Question 30

To ascend curbs in a wheelchair

Answer 30

tilt the chair backward to lift the casters onto the curb, then push for-
ward until the large rear wheels roll over the curb.

Question 31

To descend curbs in a wheelchair

Answer 31

move the chair around to descend backward; guide the large wheels
down the curb to the street. Clear the casters by tilting the chair; and then turn the chair
to face forward.

Question 32

Justification for wheelchair from insurance must relate to medical necessity, including:

Answer 32

increased function, health, safety, and user satisfaction.

Question 33

The documentation criteria for MAE are as follows:

Answer 33

i. Symptoms
ii. Related diagnoses
iii. History: clinical trajectory, interventions that have been tried and their results
iv. Physical examination: height, weight, physical impairments (ROM, strength, tone), sitting
balance, spinal posture, ability to reposition
v. Functional assessment: performance of MRADLs
vi. Recommendation and rationale