Question

A nurse is instructing a client with a right fractured tibia on the correct technique for using a three-point gait with crutches. What is this?

a. Weight is placed on both legs, and crutches are placed one stride in front and then legs swing to the crutches.
b. Partial weight is placed on the right foot moving the crutch at the same time as the right leg.
c. Weight is distributed on both crutches and then on the unaffected leg with the sequence being repeated. Three point gait requires the client to bear all of the weight on one foot. The affected leg does not touch the ground.
d. Weight is evenly distributed, with each leg being moved alternately with the opposing crutch.

Answer 1

The three-point gait with crutches involves placing weight on both crutches and then on the unaffected leg, keeping the injured leg off the ground. This method ensures stability and balance by adjusting the center of gravity and is critical for someone with a fractured tibia. Option c is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct technique for using a three-point gait with crutches, especially for a client with a right fractured tibia, involves the individual placing weight on both crutches and then on the unaffected left leg with the right (affected) leg not touching the ground during the movement. This gait allows the person to move forward by supporting their body weight on the crutches while swinging their unaffected leg through. The sequence of this movement is designed to protect the injured leg while maintaining balance and stability.

When using this method, the user adjusts their stance, much like the examples in Figure 9.30 where individuals adapt their posture to ensure the center of gravity (cg) is above their base of support for balance. Similarly, when using crutches, the user's cg shifts to account for the altered base of support created by the crutches, much like when the mentioned father carries his son piggyback or when a student carries books.

The larger weight-bearing bone in the leg, the tibia, is crucial in transferring body weight to the foot and ground. As the right tibia in the client is fractured, it becomes vital to redistribute that weight correctly to avoid strain on the injury. This is where the three-point crutch technique comes into play, distributing the body's weight between the unaffected leg and the crutches, capitalizing on the body's ability to maintain stability and balance.

In conclusion, the correct option for the three-point gait technique is: c. Weight is distributed on both crutches and then on the unaffected leg with the sequence being repeated. Three-point gait requires the client to bear all of the weight on one foot. The affected leg does not touch the ground.