Learn the best practices for Plaster Cast Care, explore different Types of Plaster Casts, and understand the Nursing Management of Casts. This guide covers everything you need to know for optimal cast management and patient care.

Plaster Cast Care is a crucial aspect of patient recovery, ensuring proper healing and preventing complications. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the different Types of Plaster Casts and the essential Nursing Management of Casts, offering practical tips and expert advice.

Plaster Cast

Definition

• A cast is a rigid device used for immobilization to help heal broken bones by holding them in place. It immobilizes the joint above and below the fracture.

Purpose of Casts

1. Immobilize fractures: Keeps bone fragments aligned for proper healing.
2. Prevent movement: Restricts movement in soft tissue injuries.
3. Keep alignment: Corrects and maintains proper body alignment.
4. Allow early mobilization: Helps in early movement of other body parts.
5. Prevent muscle contractions: Reduces the risk of muscle shortening.

Casting Materials

• Plaster Cast: Made from plaster of Paris. These casts are heavy and slow to dry (24-72 hours). They lose strength if wet.
• Fiberglass Cast: Lighter, stronger, quick-drying, and water-resistant, often preferred due to its durability and different color options.

Requisites for a Good Cast

1. Proper Fit: Should fit well to give adequate support and avoid rubbing the skin.
2. Comfort: Should not cause discomfort or soreness.
3. Uniformity: Should be smooth inside without ridges or creases.
4. No Constriction: Should not be too tight to avoid restricting blood or nerve supply.
5. Lightweight: Use minimal material to keep the cast as light as possible.

Types of Casts

1. Short Arm Cast: Covers from below the elbow to the palm. It is used for fractures of the radius, humerus, or carpal bones.
2. Long Arm Cast: Extends from the upper arm to the palm; used for upper extremity fractures.
3. Short Leg Cast: Covers from below the knee to the toes; used for fractures of the tibia, fibula, and ankle.
4. Long Leg Cast: Extends from the thigh to the toes; used for fractures of the femur, tibia, or fibula.
5. Walking Cast: Short or long leg cast designed for weight-bearing.
6. Body Cast: Encircles the trunk.
7. Shoulder Spica Cast: Encloses the trunk, shoulder, and elbow; used for shoulder fractures.
8. Hip Spica Cast: Extends from the mid-trunk to the feet; used for hip fractures, with openings for bodily functions.

Nursing Management of Patient with a Cast

Assessment of Patient

1. Casted Extremity: Check color, movement, warmth, sensation, swelling, and pulses distal to the cast. Report any abnormalities.
2. Circulation: Conduct a blanching test to compare skin temperature and blanching reaction between the affected and unaffected limbs.
3. Hot Spots: Check for areas that feel warmer, which show infection or necrosis.
4. Sensation: Test the patient’s sensation by touching exposed skin areas and asking them to describe the sensation.
5. Motor Ability: Have the patient wiggle their fingers or toes to assess motor ability.
6. Cast Edges: Check for pressure points at the edges of the cast. Report any signs of edema or circulatory impairment.
7. Foreign Material: Slip your fingers under the cast edges to detect plaster crumbs or foreign material and stimulate circulation.
8. Odor: Smell the cast for any musty or moldy odors, which show tissue damage or necrosis.
9. Cast Integrity: Inspect the cast for cracks, breaks, or soft spots.

Nursing Interventions

1. Elevation: Elevate the casted extremity for the first 24-48 hours to stimulate circulation.
2. Position Change: Often change the position if a hip spica is shown.
3. Prevent Foot Drop: Offer splints or support to keep the ankle at a 90° flexion.
4. Pain Assessment:

• Elevate the affected limb to relieve pain.
• Check for pressure areas if pain is felt over bony prominences.
• Explain to the patient that pain during mobilization is common and should subside over time.

1. Neurovascular Operation:

• Check circulation, motion, and sensation in the affected limb and compare with the normal limb.
• Encourage hourly finger/toe movements to improve circulation.
• Check for complications like compartment syndrome, pressure ulcers, and disuse syndrome.

1. Dietary Advice: Encourage a well-balanced diet with increased dietary fiber and fluids to prevent constipation. Avoid gas-forming foods, especially in patients with a hip spica.

Health Education for Patient and Relatives

1. Cast Care:

• Do not place objects on or inside the cast.
• Keep the cast dry; use a blow dryer if a fiberglass cast gets wet.

1. Safety: Avoid walking on wet or slippery surfaces.
2. Exercises: Do prescribed exercises regularly.
3. Elevation: Elevate the casted extremity above heart level to prevent swelling.
4. Skin Care:

• Do not scratch under the cast to avoid ulcers.
• Apply cotton over rough edges of the cast.

1. Observation:

• Look for odors, warm spots, or stained areas on the cast.
• Report persistent pain, swelling, abnormal sensations, or bluish skin at once.
• Inform the physician if the cast breaks.

1. Cast Covering: Do not cover the cast with plastic or rubber as it can dampen the cast.

Cast Removal

1. Procedure:

• The cast is removed with an electric cast cutter. The nurse should explain and show this to the patient to reduce anxiety.
• Reassure the patient that the cutter will not harm the skin.
• The patient feel heat, vibrations, or pressure during removal.

1. Post-Removal Care:

• Soak and wash the area under the cast to remove dead skin.
• Apply lotion or oil to soften the skin and avoid rubbing or scratching.
• Swelling occur; elevate the limb while sitting or lying down.
• Encourage ambulation and the use of crepe bandages or elastic stockings if advised by the physician.

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Read more: “Complete Guide to Plaster Cast Care: Top Types and Essential Nursing Management”

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• 
  “Complete Guide to Plaster Cast Care: Top Types and Essential Nursing Management”
  by Mr. Umar
  03/09/2024
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  “Assisting Patients with Ambulation: 5 Essential Steps for Effective Care of Immobile Patients”
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  01/09/2024
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  “Master Body Alignment and Patient Positioning: 5 Essential Techniques for Safe Care”
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  31/08/2024
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  “10 Powerful Muscle Strengthening Exercises for Rapid Results”
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  “Top 10 Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises for Joints: Enhance Flexibility and Mobility”
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“Learn the top 5 essential steps for assisting patients with ambulation and providing effective care for immobile patients. Make sure safe mobility and prevent complications with these proven techniques.”

“Assisting patients with ambulation is a crucial part of nursing care, especially for those who are immobile. By using these essential steps, you can guarantee safe and effective mobility for your patients. This helps in preventing complications. It also improves their quality of life.”

Assisting Patients with Ambulation:

Ambulation Defined:

• Ambulation means walking, often used to describe a patient’s mobility goal after surgery or physical therapy. It’s crucial for preventing muscle atrophy from prolonged bed rest.

1. Introduction & Identity Verification:

• Introduce yourself and verify the patient’s identity after agency protocol. This helps build rapport and ensures you’re assisting the right person.

2. Hand Hygiene:

• Do hand hygiene to reduce the spread of microorganisms, adhering to infection prevention procedures.

3. Explain the Procedure:

• Explain how you’ll help with ambulation, why it’s necessary, and how the patient can help. This reduces anxiety and promotes cooperation.

4. Proper Footwear:

• Make sure the patient is dressed appropriately for walking and is wearing non-skid shoes or slippers to prevent falls.

5. Assess for Orthostatic Hypotension:

• Check for dizziness, light-headedness, or rapid heartbeat before ambulation. These show orthostatic hypotension.

6. Sitting Up:

• Instruct the patient to sit on the side of the bed. Let their legs dangle for at least one minute. This helps prevent dizziness and assesses their tolerance for sitting.

7. Position Yourself:

• Stand in front of the patient with your knees touching theirs. This prevents them from sliding ahead if they feel faint.

8. Use a Transfer/Gait Belt:

• If needed, apply a transfer/gait belt around the patient’s waist. Stand in front of the patient, grasping the belt while keeping your back straight and knees bent.

9. Help in Standing:

• Grip the back of the belt and place your other hand on the patient’s shoulder for support. On the count of three, help the patient push off the bed or chair.

10. Allow Time to Stand:

• Let the patient stand for 15-20 seconds, holding the belt until they feel balanced and ready to walk.

11. Position Yourself for Ambulation:

• Once the patient feels stable, move to their unaffected side. Grasp the belt at their back and hold their hand closest to you.

12. Help with Walking:

• Give minimal assistance if the patient has slight balance issues. Stand to the side and slightly behind them during ambulation. If they don’t use a walker, support their upper arm and waist with the transfer belt.

13. Handle Falls Safely:

• If the patient starts to fall, pull them toward you, hold on firmly, and gently lower them to the floor.

14. After Ambulation:

• Return the patient to a secure and comfortable position in bed using proper body mechanics. Remove the gait belt, and make sure the bed and side rails are safe.

15. Document:

• Record the distance walked, any devices used, assistance needed, and instructions provided, including home safety and fall prevention measures.

Care of Patients with Immobility: Nursing Process Approach

Assessment

1. Assess Mobility Limitations: Find the origin of mobility issues like pain, paralysis, muscle weakness, systemic diseases, or immobilizing devices. This guides treatment planning.
2. Gait Evaluation: Assess the patient’s gait to decide mobility level and fall risk. Normal gait involves smooth, rhythmic muscle movements.
3. Range of Motion (ROM): Evaluate the patient’s ability to carry out ROM exercises. This identifies any physical limitations and provides a baseline for treatment.
4. Muscle Strength: Check the strength of muscles, particularly in the arms and legs, to adjust assistive devices as needed.
5. Functional Mobility: Assess how much assistance the patient needs with daily activities. This may involve special equipment to increase independence.
6. Musculoskeletal Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of the musculoskeletal system. Focus on muscle strength, coordination, and mobility skills like bed mobility, sitting, and walking.
7. Cardiovascular Assessment: Evaluate blood pressure, heart sounds, and pulses. Check for signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Understand the impact of immobility on the cardiovascular system.
8. Respiratory Assessment: Check respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, and signs of respiratory complications like atelectasis or pneumonia.
9. Gastrointestinal Assessment: Inspect, auscultate, and palpate the abdomen, and check bowel movement patterns for signs of gastrointestinal issues.
10. Urinary System Assessment: Look for signs of urinary retention or abnormalities, and check intake, output, and symptoms like dysuria.
11. Endurance Assessment: Watch for fatigue, pain, mood changes, and cardiovascular or respiratory issues during physical activity.
12. Pathological Assessments: Detect any bone disorders, joint impairments, muscle development issues, or neurological damage that affect mobility.
13. Neurovascular Status: Regularly assess the neurovascular status of immobilized extremities to detect and handle potential issues promptly.
14. Nutritional Status: Assess the patient’s nutritional intake, as poor nutrition can contribute to weakness and immobility.
15. Skin Integrity: Inspect the skin over bony prominences for signs of pressure ulcers or tissue damage.
16. Environmental Safety: Make sure the patient’s environment is free from obstacles that hinder mobility or cause falls.

Nursing Diagnosis

1. Activity Intolerance: Related to immobility, weakness, or imbalance between oxygen supply and demand.
2. Impaired Physical Mobility: Related to decreased strength, endurance, or pain, as demonstrated by limited ROM or activity intolerance.
3. Risk for Disuse Syndrome: Due to factors like paralysis, immobilization, or severe pain.
4. Self-Care Deficits: Related to the inability to execute ADLs due to immobility or decreased strength.

Desired Outcomes

• Keep or improve strength and role of affected body parts.
• Promote safe ambulation and transferring techniques.
• Prevent contractures and keep optimal body positioning.
• Guarantee skin integrity and prevent pressure ulcers.
• Increase patient independence using adaptive equipment.
• Improve patient’s overall strength and mobility.

Nursing Interventions

1. Review Functional Ability: Recognize impairments and choose appropriate interventions based on the patient’s needs.
2. Degree of Immobility: Assess the level of dependence on a scale, with higher levels indicating greater risk.
3. ROM Exercises: Help with ROM exercises to keep muscle tone and joint mobility.
4. Early Ambulation: Encourage early and progressive ambulation to prevent complications.
5. Check Activity Tolerance: Record vital signs and check the patient’s response to activity.
6. Assistive Devices: Guarantee the availability and proper use of devices like wheelchairs or gait belts.
7. Weight-Bearing Activities: Prepare the patient for activities like standing to reduce the risk of complications like osteoporosis.
8. Skin Care: Inspect and care for the skin to prevent pressure ulcers, teaching the patient how to check their skin.
9. Respiratory Hygiene: Encourage deep breathing exercises to prevent pulmonary complications.
10. Adjust Activities: Change activities based on the patient’s tolerance and help with ADLs.
11. Promote Independence: Encourage the patient to do exercises and activities independently.
12. Resistance Training: Introduce light weights to keep strength and independence.
13. Rest Periods: Schedule regular rest periods to conserve the patient’s energy.
14. Position Changes: Reposition the patient every 2 hours to improve circulation and prevent pressure sores.
15. Functional Alignment: Use pillows or splints to keep proper limb alignment and prevent foot drop.
16. Diet and Hydration: Encourage a high-fiber diet and adequate fluid intake to prevent constipation and keep hydration.

---

Read more: “Assisting Patients with Ambulation: 5 Essential Steps for Effective Care of Immobile Patients”

COURSES

GNM

BSC NURSING

• 
  “Complete Guide to Plaster Cast Care: Top Types and Essential Nursing Management”
• 
  “Assisting Patients with Ambulation: 5 Essential Steps for Effective Care of Immobile Patients”
• 
  “Master Body Alignment and Patient Positioning: 5 Essential Techniques for Safe Care”
• 
  “10 Powerful Muscle Strengthening Exercises for Rapid Results”
• 
  “Top 10 Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises for Joints: Enhance Flexibility and Mobility”

“Learn the top 5 essential techniques for mastering body alignment and patient positioning. Ensure patient safety and comfort with these effective strategies. Perfect for healthcare professionals.”

Body alignment and patient positioning are critical aspects of patient care, ensuring both safety and comfort. Proper techniques prevent injuries, promote recovery, and enhance overall patient well-being. This guide will cover five essential techniques that every healthcare professional should master.

Maintaining Body Alignment and Patient Positioning

1. Importance of Body Alignment:

• Proper body alignment ensures safety, prevents injury, and promotes patient comfort.
• It involves keeping the head in midline, maintaining normal spinal curves, and positioning arms and legs for optimal performance.

2. Body Alignment in Bed:

• Achieved in any bed rest position.
• Key points include keeping the head in midline, straight back, elevated ribs, and arms/legs in functional positions.

3. Principles of Safe Patient Positioning:

• A wide base of support and low center of gravity give stability.
• Facing the direction of movement prevents spinal twisting.
• Balanced activity between arms and legs reduces back injury risk.
• Less force is required when friction is reduced during movement.

4. Positioning for Comfort and Safety:

• Keep functional body alignment whether the patient is in bed or standing.
• Guarantee patient safety, comfort, and cooperation.
• Follow proper body mechanics and obtain assistance if needed.
• Use specific provider’s orders and avoid using special devices unless trained.

5. Common Patient Positions:

• Supine Position: Patient lies flat on their back. Support is provided under the head, arms, and legs. This helps prevent complications like foot drop.
• Prone Position: Patient lies on their abdomen with head turned to the side. Arms should be straight. There should be support under the head, chest, and ankles.
• Fowler’s Position: Patient sits with the bed at varying angles (15°-90°) depending on comfort and medical needs.
• Side-Lying Position: Patient lies on one side. Pillows support the head, back, arms, and legs. This helps keep alignment and stability.
• Sim’s Position: Patient lies on the left side with arms and legs flexed. Confirm proper alignment with support under the head and legs.

These guidelines help guarantee that patients are positioned safely and comfortably, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing overall care.

Moving and Repositioning Patients

Importance of Moving Immobile Patients

• Immobile patients often spend extended periods in bed or a wheelchair, requiring assistance for movements like repositioning.
• Regular repositioning (every two hours) is crucial to prevent complications. These include pressure ulcers, blood clots, muscle atrophy, pneumonia, and joint deformities.
• Proper body mechanics are essential for both patient safety and preventing back injuries for caregivers.

Goals of Repositioning

• Promote Comfort: Make sure the patient is comfortable to reduce pain and anxiety.
• Restore Operation: Encourage movement that can help preserve or improve bodily functions.
• Prevent Deformities: Regular movement prevents the formation of pressure sores and other deformities.
• Stimulate Respiration & Circulation: Repositioning aids in better blood flow and respiratory ability.
• Simplify Nursing Treatments: Proper positioning is necessary for effective medical procedures.

Moving a Patient Up in Bed

1. Explain the Procedure: Inform the patient about the steps involved and how they can help.
2. Adjust the Bed: Lower the head of the bed and raise it to a safe working height for the nurse.
3. Position the Patient:

• Lay the patient supine, with a pillow at the head to protect against injury.
• Ask the patient to flex hips and knees for effective pushing.

1. Prepare for Movement:

• Stand close to the patient with feet shoulder-width apart.
• Place your hands under the patient’s hips and fan-fold the draw sheet for a secure grip.

1. Move the Patient:

• On a count of three, shift your weight from back to front while sliding the patient up.
• Make sure the patient assists by tilting their head towards their chest and using their arms and legs.

1. Final Steps:

• Reposition the pillow, guarantee the patient is centered in bed, and adjust the bed height.
• Do hand hygiene to prevent infection.

Moving a Patient to the Side of the Bed

1. Explain the Procedure: Communicate with the patient to alleviate any concerns and involve them in the process.
2. Prepare the Bed:

• Raise the bed to a comfortable height, and apply the brakes.
• Place a pillow at the headboard to protect the patient’s head.

1. Position the Patient:

• Stand on the side where the patient will be moved, keeping them close to your center of gravity.
• Cross the patient’s nearer arm over their chest to prevent injury.

1. Move the Patient:

• Slide your hands under the patient’s head and shoulders, then under their legs to pull them towards you.
• Keep a straight back with flexed hips and knees for proper support.

1. Final Steps:

• Make sure the patient is comfortable and properly aligned on the bed.
• Lower the bed, offer necessary support devices, and execute hand hygiene.

By adhering to these steps, both the patient’s safety and the caregiver’s well-being are maintained during repositioning and movement.

Moving and Lifting Patients: Essential Guidelines

Immobility in patients, whether they are bedridden or wheelchair-bound, can lead to several complications. These include pressure ulcers, blood clots, muscle weakness, and pneumonia. Proper techniques in moving and lifting patients are critical to ensuring their safety and comfort. These techniques also prevent injury to healthcare providers.

Moving a Patient Up in Bed

1. Communication: Explain the procedure to the patient and instruct them on how they can help.
2. Preparation: Adjust the bed to a flat position at a comfortable working height.
3. Safety Measures: Apply brakes and guarantee proper body mechanics.
4. Patient Positioning: Lay the patient supine and ask them to flex their hips and knees.
5. Movement: Slide your hands under the patient’s hips. Use a draw sheet if necessary. Shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you move the patient.
6. Final Adjustments: Reposition the patient, replace pillows, and make sure they are comfortable.

Moving a Patient to the Side of the Bed

1. Explanation: Inform the patient about the procedure.
2. Bed Adjustment: Raise the bed to a safe height and make sure brakes are applied.
3. Body Mechanics: Stand close to the patient and use your legs, not your back, to move them.
4. Movement: Slide the patient’s body toward you in sections, starting with the head and shoulders, then the legs.
5. Repositioning: Make sure the patient is comfortable and positioned correctly in the bed.

Logrolling the Patient

Logrolling is used to turn a patient while maintaining spinal alignment, especially important for those with spinal injuries or surgeries.

1. Preparation: Explain the procedure to the patient and instruct them not to help.
2. Team Coordination: Requires at least three caregivers to roll the patient safely.
3. Positioning: The bed should be flat, and the patient’s arms should be crossed over their chest.
4. Execution: On a count of three, the team rolls the patient while maintaining spinal alignment.
5. Completion: Position pillows to support the patient’s alignment and guarantee comfort.

Manual Lifting of a Patient

When manually lifting a patient from the bed to a chair or wheelchair, proper body mechanics are crucial.

1. Preparation: Explain the procedure to the patient.
2. Positioning: Stand with your feet apart and your knees flexed. Keep your back straight.
3. Lifting: On a count of three, lift the patient, keeping them close to your body to avoid strain.
4. Movement: Shift your weight as needed to move the patient safely to the desired location.

Hydraulic (Mechanical) Lift

A hydraulic lift is used for immobile patients to transfer them safely.

1. Preparation: Assess the patient’s weight, physical condition, and select the correct sling size.
2. Safety Checks: Verify all equipment is in good condition and suitable for the patient.
3. Lifting: Position the sling under the patient. Attach it to the lift. Carefully move the patient to the receiving surface.
4. Final Steps: Make sure the patient is secure and comfortable before removing the sling.

Patient Transfers

Patient transfer refers to the process of moving a patient from one flat surface to another. This is commonly from a bed to a stretcher or a wheelchair. It also encompasses transferring patients within the same facility and between locations. The most common types of transfers in hospitals include:

• Bed to Stretcher
• Bed to Wheelchair
• Wheelchair to Chair
• Wheelchair to Toilet and back

Transferring a Patient from Bed to Chair

Transferring patients from a bed to a wheelchair requires careful consideration of the patient’s needs. It is essential to conduct a patient risk assessment before any patient-handling activities to guarantee safety. The transfer often requires the patient’s cooperation, along with appropriate equipment and techniques.

Steps for Safe Transfer:

1. Preparation:

• Explain the procedure to the patient to reduce anxiety and gain cooperation.
• Adjust the bed to a safe working height. Position the wheelchair next to the bed at a 45-degree angle. Make sure the brakes are applied.
• If one side of the patient is weaker, position the wheelchair on the healthier side.

1. Positioning:

• Sit the patient on the edge of the bed with feet on the floor.
• Attach a gait belt around the patient’s waist if necessary.

1. Lifting:

• Face the patient with your feet apart and back straight.
• Help the patient into a standing position using a rocking motion.
• Make sure the patient’s feet are flat on the floor and positioned between your feet.

1. Transfer:

• Help the patient stand. Guide them to walk a few steps backward. They should continue until they feel the wheelchair against their legs.
• Slowly lower the patient into the wheelchair, ensuring they are adequately positioned and comfortable.

1. Final Adjustments:

• Make sure the patient is securely seated, reposition footrests, and check for comfort.

Transferring a Patient from Bed to Stretcher

Moving a patient from a bed to a stretcher, especially those with spinal injuries or post-operative conditions, requires precision. Adequate assistance is also needed to prevent injury.

Steps for Safe Transfer:

1. Preparation:

• Explain the procedure to the patient to ease anxiety.
• Decide the number of staff required, usually 3-4, based on the patient’s size.

1. Positioning:

• Adjust the bed height, lock brakes, and lower side rails.
• Position the patient closest to the bed’s edge where the stretcher will be placed.

1. Using Equipment:

• Place a lift sheet under the patient and a slider board under the sheet to reduce friction during transfer.
• Roll the patient onto the slider board, ensuring they are centered.

1. Transfer:

• Position the stretcher slightly lower than the bed, and lock its brakes.
• On a count of three, team members transfer the patient by pulling the sheet over the slider board. They make sure the patient’s head and feet are supported.

1. Final Adjustments:

• Remove the slider board and reposition the patient comfortably on the stretcher.
• Elevate side rails, secure safety belts, and adjust the stretcher height.

1. Post-Transfer:

• Cover the patient with sheets for comfort and carry out hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.

Walking: A Key Activity for Health and Mobility

Walking is a fundamental activity of daily living, essential for moving from one place to another. Still, various conditions like illness, trauma, or muscle wasting can impair a patient’s ability to walk, necessitating assistance. Inactivity can lead to reduced muscle mass, strength, and oxygen capacity in the blood, making movement increasingly difficult and painful. Hence, walking is an important daily goal for all ages. It improves blood flow and aids in wound healing. It is particularly beneficial for the elderly.

Walking with Crutches

Crutches are walking aids that increase the base of support and transfer weight from the legs to the upper body. They can be used singly or in pairs and are often needed by individuals with short-term injuries or permanent disabilities. The three main types of crutches are axilla crutches, elbow crutches, and gutter crutches.

Steps for Using Crutches:

1. Preparation:

• Explain the procedure to reduce anxiety.
• Make sure the patient is fully clothed with non-skid footwear.
• Verify that the crutches are safe and properly fitted.

1. Correct Posture and Balance:

• Adjust crutch height from the anterior axilla fold to the heel.
• The handgrip should allow a 30° elbow flexion, aligning with the hip line.
• Stand with crutches 6 inches in front and 6 inches to the side of the feet.
• Lean tilt slightly, move crutches about a foot ahead, and step through with the good leg.

Gaits (Manner of Walking with Crutches):

1. Four-Point Gait: Suitable for weight-bearing on both legs, with three points of support always in contact with the ground.
2. Three-Point Gait: Used when one leg can support the body weight; involves moving crutches and the weaker leg together.
3. Two-Point Gait: A faster version of the four-point gait, requiring more balance and control.
4. Swing-To Gait: Both crutches are placed ahead, and the body is swung to the crutches.
5. Swing-Through Gait: Used by patients with paralyzed lower extremities, where the body is swung through and beyond the crutches.

Walking with Canes

Canes are mobilization aids for patients who can bear weight on the affected leg but need support. They are akin to crutches, supporting the body and helping transfer the load from the legs to the upper body. Common types of canes include white canes, quad canes, and forearm canes.

Steps for Using Canes:

1. Preparation:

• Explain the procedure and guarantee non-skid footwear.
• Make sure the cane height allows a 15-30° elbow flexion.

1. Correct Use:

• Hold the cane on the unaffected side. Place the cane tip about 6 inches in front and to the side of the foot.
• Move the cane ahead at the same time with the affected leg, followed by the unaffected leg.

Walking with Walkers

Walkers offer a wider base of support than canes, making them ideal for patients with poor balance and mobility. They are particularly useful for individuals with limited arm strength.

Steps for Using Walkers:

1. Preparation:

• Explain the procedure and make sure non-skid footwear.
• Push up from a chair or bed to a standing position, applying a gait belt if needed.

1. Correct Use:

• Grip both sides of the walker and move it ahead a short distance.
• Step ahead with the weaker leg first, followed by the stronger leg, keeping feet within the walker’s boundaries.

Turning with a Walker:

• Recommend taking small steps or walking in a big circle to avoid twisting the knee joint.

Walking, whether independently or with aids like crutches, canes, or walkers, is vital. It helps sustain muscle strength. It also improves circulation and supports overall health.

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COURSES

GNM

BSC NURSING

Read more: “Master Body Alignment and Patient Positioning: 5 Essential Techniques for Safe Care”

• 
  “Complete Guide to Plaster Cast Care: Top Types and Essential Nursing Management”
  by Mr. Umar
  03/09/2024
• 
  “Assisting Patients with Ambulation: 5 Essential Steps for Effective Care of Immobile Patients”
  by Mr. Umar
  01/09/2024
• 
  “Master Body Alignment and Patient Positioning: 5 Essential Techniques for Safe Care”
  by Mr. Umar
  31/08/2024
• 
  “10 Powerful Muscle Strengthening Exercises for Rapid Results”
  by Mr. Umar
  29/08/2024
• 
  “Top 10 Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises for Joints: Enhance Flexibility and Mobility”
  by Mr. Umar
  28/08/2024