Problem 1: Discuss the following assistive devices (level of stability/patient that would benefit from each, how to properly fit each to a patient, etc.)
- Walker, Axillary Crutches, Forearm/Lofstrand Crutches, Cane
Problem 2: Define and describe each weight bearing status (NWB, TTWB, PWB, WBAT, FWB)
Problem 3: Recommend an assistive device for the following patients.
a. Mr. Michaels is an active 27 yo male with injured his R ankle while playing basketball. The doctor in the ER has recommended he be NWB on R LE for 1 week. He lives in a 2-story walk-up apartment with no elevator. He works out of his very small, confined apartment.
b. Mrs. Adele is a 78 yo female who is now 1-day s/p R TKA. She has significant pain and swelling in her R knee and requires assistance for bed mobility and transfers. She is currently WBAT.
c. Mr. Jones is a 74 yo male who is currently being seen in outpatient PT for recent balance issues. He states he has not yet fallen, but often loses his balance just walking around the house. He comes to PT independently and does not currently use an assistive device. He enjoys walking in his neighborhood and wants to continue this but feels a bit unsteady.
Problem 4: Explain how you would instruct a patient to use a unilateral assistive device, and provide a rationale for your instructions.
Problem 5: Describe how you would guard a patient ambulating on a level surface or on stairs and when moving from a sitting to a standing position and from a standing to a sitting position.
Problem 6: Describe how you would monitor a patient's response to ambulation activities and how you would use the findings to plan the patient's treatment.