Final answer:
The correct answer is that the patient can bear 50% of their total body weight on the left lower extremity, according to Dr. Smith's verbal order.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'The patient may be 50 percent partial weight-bearing on the left lower extremity per the verbal order of Dr. Smith' means that the patient can bear 50% of their total body weight on the left lower extremity. Therefore, the correct answer is: a. The patient can bear 50% of their total body weight on the left lower extremity. In practical terms, this often involves using assistive devices such as crutches or a walker to ensure that only half of the patient's body weight is exerted on the affected limb during recovery or rehabilitation.