The client is postoperative day one after surgery to the right knee and the surgeon wants the client to crutch-walk using the three-point gait. Which does the nurse correct for the client when ambulating with crutches?

Question

1. Moves the right crutch first, left crutch second, and right leg last.
2. Begins in the tripod position and bears all weight on left leg.
3. Slips three fingerbreadths between crutch padding and client's axilla.
4. Flexes elbows at approximately 20 degrees while walking with crutches.

Answer 1

1
1. Most of the client's technique is good except for the crutch movement because us-ing the three-point gait requires the client to advance both crutches at the same time with the affected leg while the unaffected leg bears the body weight. This technique allows the client to avoid weight bearing on the affected leg by using a stable base of support.
2, 3, and 4. The client correctly begins the three-point gait by bearing all weight on the left leg, allowing adequate clearance for the axilla, and by flexing the elbows at 20 degrees.