The client needs to use crutches at home, and will have to manage going up and down a short flight of stairs. The nurse evaluates the use of an appropriate technique if the client:

Question

1. Uses a banister or wall for support when descending
2. Uses one crutch for support while going up and down
3. Advances the crutches first to ascend the stairs
4. Advances the affected leg after moving the crutches to descend the stairs

Answer 1

ANS: 4
To descend stairs, the crutches are placed on the stairs and the client moves the affected leg, then the unaffected leg to the stairs with the crutches. The client should continue to use the crutches for support, not the banister or wall. The client should continue to use both crutches for support when going up or down stairs. When ascending stairs, the client moves the unaffected leg up the stair, then the crutches and affected leg.