The nurse is discharging a patient from the emergency department. The patient will need to walk with crutches for a sprained ankle. Which of the following should the nurse do to ensure that the patient will safely use the crutches at home?

Question

1. Demonstrate the use of the crutches and ask for a return demonstration before discharge.
2. Provide a written handout on the use of crutches.
3. Demonstrate the use of the crutches while the patient observes from the wheelchair.
4. Instruct the family member on the use of the crutches and suggest he or she access the Internet for any questions.

Answer 1

Demonstrate the use of the crutches and ask for a return demonstration before discharge.

Rationale: Discharge instructions are a large portion of the care emergency nurses provide. The best way for the nurse to assess if the patient understands the instructions provided about crutch use would be for the nurse to demonstrate the use and then ask the patient to return the demonstration. A written handout on the use of crutches might not be enough for the patient. Demonstrating the use without a return demonstration will not assess the patient's understanding. Instructing the family on the use and referring them to the Internet for any questions is inappropriate.