Patient Movement

Patient Movement Ambulation Choose an ambulation aid based on patient age type of injury patient’s condition patient’s weight bearing status A gait belt should be used by the health care provider to provide safety and support for the patient 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Ambulation Aids Cane Used to help with: balance weakness, injury or pain on one side Place the cane on the unaffected side Correct fitting: Handle of cane is level with the head of the femur Patient’s elbow is flexed 25-30 degrees 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Ambulation Aids Crutches Axillary Used by placing the pads under the armpits and holding on to the grip Grips are below and parallel to the armpit pads Forearm Used by slipping the arm into the cuff and holding on to the grip Platform Forearm is placed on an armrest with secure strap Used by person with poor hand grip Axillary Forearm Platform 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Ambulation Aids Crutches Correct Fitting Patient and crutch tips form a tripod: Crutch tips are 4-6” in front and to side of patient’s foot 2” between axilla and crutch Elbows flexed 25-30 degrees 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Ambulation Crutch Gait Gait is the pattern of movement. Four Point Gait: Slow, both legs can bear some weight Two Point Gait: Faster, more natural, both legs can bear some weight 4 point gait pattern 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Ambulation Crutch Gait Three Point Gait: One leg is non-weight bearing 3 point gait pattern 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Ambulation Crutch Gait Swing –Through: One leg is non-weight bearing; 2 point pattern. Most rapid gait pattern Swing – To: One leg is non weight bearing; 2 point pattern. 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Ambulation Aids Walker Ambulation aide that provides support Patient must be strong enough to hold themselves upright 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Ambulation Aids Walker Styles: standard folding rolling platform 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Ambulation Aids Walker Correct Fitting Handles level with top of femur Elbow flexed to 25-30 degrees 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Ambulation Walker Gait Step-to/3 point gait pattern for weight bearing on both legs Swing-to/2 point gait pattern for non-weight bearing 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Ambulation Demonstrate the skill Provide for guided practice Provide for independent practice Verify student passing

Patient Movement Transferring a Patient Transfer to a Chair/Wheelchair Demonstrate the skill Provide for guided practice Provide for independent practice Verify student passing 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient Movement Transferring a Patient Transfer to a Stretcher 3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services