The patient can be selected for crutches depending on the following except?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

'Coping mechanism' because the question asks for the exception in the criteria for selecting a patient for crutches.
Crutch selection is primarily based on the patient's physical capabilities, such as strength, balance, and overall condition.
A coping mechanism is a psychosocial factor related to how a person handles stress or illness; it is not a direct physical criterion for determining if crutches are the appropriate mobility aid.

Option A: The patient's overall physical condition, including their diagnosis, endurance, and prescribed weight-bearing status, is a fundamental criterion for selecting any mobility aid.
Option B: Significant arm and back strength is required to support body weight on the handgrips and maneuver the crutches, making this a critical assessment point.
Option C: Good body balance is essential for safely ambulating with crutches and minimizing the risk of falls. The patient's ability to balance dictates the type of gait that can be taught.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Criteria for patient selection for crutch use to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
A nurse's primary role is to reinforce the physical therapist's teaching, ensure patient safety, and assess for correct use of the crutches.
Patient teaching is critical to prevent complications like axillary nerve damage (brachial plexus palsy) from leaning on the crutch pads instead of using handgrips for support.
What if the patient is an older adult with decreased upper body strength and poor balance? In this case, crutches would be unsafe. A walker would be a more appropriate assistive device as it provides a wider base of support and requires less strength and coordination.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'except' in the question stem. This indicates you are looking for the option that does NOT fit with the others.
The question asks about the criteria for selecting a patient for crutches. This requires knowledge of mobility assessment.
Evaluate each option to determine if it is a valid physical criterion for using crutches.
Option A (Physical condition), B (Arm/back strength), and C (Body balance) are all direct physical requirements for safe crutch use.
Option D (Coping mechanism) is a psychological or emotional factor, not a physical one. Therefore, it is the exception.
Select the option that is different from the others in the context of physical assessment for a mobility aid.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q3IOi76CCwoBn4fHf5oNNc

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 104-106

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 341-343

Practise the full IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.