Wheelchair Prescription

Question 1

A properly prescribed wheelchair can have 2 purposes?

Answer 1

• reintegrate a person with a disability into the community
• assist w/preventing problems associated with poor posture, pressure sores, respiratory difficulties, discomfort, and abandonment of equipment.

Question 2

If a patient using a manual wheelchair is not fit properly, research suggests…?

Answer 2

• danger of repetitive strain injuries

- shoulders, wrists and hands

Question 3

What injuries are common with manual wheelchair users?

Answer 3

• rotator cuff and instability of glenohumeral joint

- medial epicondylitis and carpal tunnel syndrome

Question 4

The more efficient the wheelchair, the ___ ___ of injury.

Answer 4

• less risk

Question 5

Methods of manual propulsion include (4)?

Answer 5

• both hands (most common)
• one-arm drive (system attached to one wheel that controls both)
• one hand and one foot “hemi-technique” (stroke pt)
• both feet (be sure the seat is low enough for good positioning and does not risk sliding forward out of chair)

Question 6

If person is unable to propel a manual wheelchair and is cognitively aware of their surroundings what type of wheelchair should they use?

Answer 6

power mobility system

Question 7

What type of wheelchair would a person is for the person can propel around indoors on level surfaces outdoors but cannot move around the community without stressing muscles and joints, creating postural problems, or cardiovascular strain.

Answer 7

power mobility system

Question 8

What are important factors that need to be considered when individuals with cognitive impairments need power mobility?

Answer 8

• rule of thumb is the driver is aware of safety for themselves and others.
• the ability to stop and judge when to stop is more difficult to teach than the driving part.
• awareness, reliable movement, motivation, and good response time are all important.

Question 9

What is the most commonly used power wheelchair (regarding wheel base)?

Answer 9

• center wheel drive

Question 10

What power wheelchair base (wheel positioning) is the best for a person who can’t look to see what is behind them?

Answer 10

• rear wheel drive (also better outside)

Question 11

A wheelchairs postural support system includes (5)?

Answer 11

• seat surface
• back surface
• pelvic positioner
• UE surface
• LE surface

Question 12

When finalizing seat support what is important (7)?

Answer 12

• does seat provide adequate support for good sitting posture.
• will pressure distribution prevent pressure sores
• is the shape of seat cushion appropriate for body type
• is pressure relief provided if person is unable to weight shift independently
• seat depth appropriate
• seat width appropriate for propelling and comfort
• appropriate for safe transfers

Question 13

What may be needed to maintain good pelvic position,, prevent the hips from sliding, and provide safety?

Answer 13

• belt or rigid pelvic positioner

Question 14

What measurements are important when deciding on wheelchair arm rests?

Answer 14

• height
• width
• length

Question 15

The position of LE supports on the wheelchair effects what?

Answer 15

• position of entire lower body, affecting tone and posture in the trunk, head, and arms.
• adequate hip flexion will help keep the pelvis position

Question 16

What does the process of ordering of a wheelchair include?

Answer 16

• a letter of medical necessity (LMN)
• a physicians prescription, and price estimate
• need to provide measurable functions outcomes and justification for each individual component of the requested system.

Question 17

If ordering specialized equipment what is required?

Answer 17

• input from an assistive technology professional (ATP) who passed the RESNA certification exam
• or a certified rehab technology supplier (CRTS) who is a member of RESNA and is also an ATP.