Question

Proper seat depth can be determined by:

A. placing 2 or 3 fingers between the front edge of the seat and the patient's popliteal fold (your hand parallel to the floor)

B. placing your hand vertically between the patient's greater trochanter or hip and the armrest panel

C. Placing 4 fingers between the front edge of the seat and the patients popliteal fold

D. Placing your hand horizontal between the patient's greater trochanter or hip and the armrest panel

Answer 1

Proper seat depth is determined by placing 2 or 3 fingers between the front edge of the seat and the patient's popliteal fold, ensuring the seat doesn't press against the knees and allowing for good posture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct method for determining proper seat depth for a patient is A. By placing 2 or 3 fingers between the front edge of the seat and the patient's popliteal fold with your hand parallel to the floor, the ideal seat depth can be assessed. This space ensures that the seat does not press against the back of the knees, which could restrict circulation. An alternative older 'rule of thumb' suggested much larger dimensions, but this has been updated with newer research. Good posture is also important for maintaining balance with the center of gravity directly above the hips to avoid back strain. The idea that cardiology patients were 'sitting on the edge of their seats', as noted by the wear patterns on chairs, suggests heightened anxiety or stress levels which may be characteristic of these patients.