Wheelchair Measurements Flashcards
What is the maximum height a door threshold can be while still allowing for wheelchair accessibility?
1/2” and should be bevelled– should be removed
if possible.
What is the standard height of a wheelchair seat?
18”. Toilets are typically 15” and should be raised
to accommodate transfers.
What is the minimum doorway width for a
wheelchair?
32”
To determine seat width: Measure the widest part of the thighs or hips, and _____
add 1–2 inches.
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.
subtract 1–2 inches
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.
shoulder
higher back height
If minimal trunk support is required, measure from the seat surface (including the cushion)
to the _____
midback, just under the scapulae.
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.
the pelvis
Back angle: The back can be reclined to ease discomfort associated with ____ . Too much of a backward angle makes the chair unstable.
hip flexion
Armrest height: Measure from the seating surface to the bottom of the client’s ____ the armrest should be about _____
flexed elbow;
1 inch higher.
Marginal ambulatory user:
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
Manual wheelchair user:
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
Marginal manual wheelchair user:
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
Totally or severely mobility-impaired user:
is unable to self-propel a manual wheelchair; is dependent on a power chair or attendant
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.
250
350
Chairs that recline and tilt are for clients who:
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.
One-arm drive chairs .
(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
Hemi-height chairs
(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.
Extra heavy-duty chairs
(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.
Pediatric chairs
designed for the dimensions of children and for accommodating growth.
Amputee chairs
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.
Sports chairs
very lightweight chairs (<20 lb) designed for specific sports.
A lapboard fits across the armrests to (2 things)
support a weak upper extremity or provide a work surface
A lapboard wraps around the client and reduces the overall width of the chair by
about 1 inch
Positioning belt: stabilizes the ___ should be positioned so that it pulls on the pelvis at a ___ angle to the base of the seat back
pelvis
45°
Hand rim projections: compensate for _____
weak grasp in moving the wheelchair
- Hill holder: prevents the chair from
going backward down a grade
Adjustable-tension backrest: replaces the sling backrest; tension is adjusted by loosening and tightening the strapping system; accommodates ____
kyphosis
- Wedge cushion (antithrust seats):______ to aid in preventing forward sliding
front higher than back
To ascend curbs in a wheelchair
tilt the chair backward to lift the casters onto the curb, then push for-
ward until the large rear wheels roll over the curb.
To descend curbs in a wheelchair
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.
Justification for wheelchair from insurance must relate to medical necessity, including:
increased function, health, safety, and user satisfaction.
The documentation criteria for MAE are as follows:
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
