While observing a patient walking, you note that she lifts one foot 1–2 inches off the floor and steps forward approximately 12 inches, shifting her weight from the heel onto the ball of that foot, and continues forward
The patient is erect, balanced, and swings her arms freely in the opposite direction to the movement of her legs. You record that her gait and mobility are a. normal.
b. abnormal; she lifts her foot too high.
c. abnormal; her stride is too long.
d. abnormal; her arm motion is uncoordinated.
A
A normal gait and posture includes the following characteristics. The foot is lifted 1 to 2 inches off the floor and then propelled 12 to 18 inches forward in a straight path. As the heel strikes the floor, body weight is then shifted onto the ball of that foot. The heel of the foot is then elevated off the floor before the next step forward. The patient remains erect and balanced during all stages of gait. Step height and length are symmetrical for each foot. The arms swing freely at the side of the torso but in the opposite direction to the movement of the legs. The lower limbs are able to bear full body weight during standing and ambulation. Walking is initiated in one smooth, rhythmic fashion. The patient should be able to transfer easily to various positions.
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