Section: NCLEX

16) The nurse is caring for clients in an orthopedic clinic. Then nurse would be MOST concerned if which of the following was observed?

1. A teenager who is 6’4” tall places the crutches about 6” to the side of his feet when ambulating with crutches.
2. A school-aged child who is 4’8” tall flexes her elbows about 20 degrees when ambulating with crutches.
3. A middle-aged adult, 5’10” tall, advances the crutches first when walking down the stairs.
4. An older adult, 5’6” tall, uses a 4-point gait when ambulating with crutches.

Taller people require a broader base of support.