COLLEGE OF NURSING

Km. 23 Sumulong Hi-way Brgy. Sta Cruz, Antipolo City

NCMB316 RELATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE
SKILLS DEMONSTRATION PROCEDURE

ASSISTING THE CLIENT to Ambulate using a crutch

PERFORMANCE POINTS
1. Inform client that you will be assisting w/ ambulation using crutches
2. Assess client for strength, mobility, ROM, visual acuity, perceptual difficulties & balance
3. Adjust crutches to fit the client.
4. With the client supine, measure from the heel to the axilla minus 2 inches.
5. With the client standing, set the crutch position at a point 2 inches lateral to the client and 4 to 6
in. in front of the client.
6. The crutch pad should fit 1.5 to 2 in. below the axilla
7. The hand grip should be adjusted to allow for the client to have elbows bent at 30° flexion
8. Lower the height of the bed.
9. Dangle the client at the side of bed for several minutes *Assess for vertigo
10. Instruct client to hold the crutches; that is, with elbows bent 30° and pad 1.5 to 2 in. below the
axilla
11. Instruct client to position crutches lateral to and forward of feet *Demonstrate correct positioning
12. Apply the gait belt around the client’s waist if balance & stability are impaired

Four-point gait for weight bearing w/ both legs

• Right crutch forward, (4-6 in)
• Left foot forward,
• Left crutch forward, then
• Right foot forward

Three-point gait for weight bearing w/ one leg

• Crutches & weak leg forward together, then
• Weight-bearing leg forward (stronger)

Two-point gait for weight bearing with both legs

• Right crutch and Left foot forward together, then
• Left crutch and Right foot forward together

Swing-through gait has the pattern of

• crutches forward, then
• Legs swing forward together.

Name: _____________________________________ Score: _________________

Section: ___________________________________ Date: __________________
Instructor: _________________________________

(Refer to the Skills Demonstration Rubric Scoring)