Crutch Walking Assesment

Crutches: - are walking aids made of wood or metal in the form of a shaft. They reach from the ground to the client’s axillae.

Application of Nursing Process

Assessment
- Assess physical ability to use crutches and strength of the client’s arm back, and leg muscle.
- Observe client’s ability to balance self.
- Note any unilateral or unusual weakness or dizziness.
- Assess which gait is appropriate for client.
- Assess client’s understanding of crutch-waking technique.

Planning/Objective
- To improve client’s ability to ambulate when he/she has lower extremity injury.
- To increase muscle strength, especially in arms and legs.
- To increase feeling of well-being when client can ambulate.
- To promote joint mobility.

Implementation/Procedure
- Teaching muscle- strengthening exercises
- Measuring client for crutches
- Teaching crutch walking: Four-point gait, Three-point gait, two-point gait.
- Teaching Swing-To-Gait and Swing-Through Gait
- Teaching upstairs and downstairs ambulation with crutches.

Evaluation/Expected Outcomes
- Client’s ability to ambulate is improved.
- Muscle strength of client’s arms and legs is improved
- Client experiences a feeling of well-being.
Teaching Techniques of Crutch Walking