Equipment, Devices & Technologies Flashcards
7 cards from real NPTE-PTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Equipment, Devices & Technologies flashcards as text
A patient has non-weight-bearing (NWB) status on the right lower extremity and is using axillary crutches. Which gait pattern is MOST appropriate?
Answer: 3-point gait
The 3-point gait pattern is used for NWB on one extremity, where both crutches and the affected limb advance together, followed by the uninvolved leg.
When fitting a patient for axillary crutches, the axillary pad should be positioned how far below the axilla?
Answer: 1-2 inches below
The axillary pad should rest 1-2 inches (2-3 finger widths) below the axilla to prevent compression of the brachial plexus and axillary nerve.
A Lofstrand (forearm) crutch differs from an axillary crutch primarily because it:
Answer: Allows hands-free use via the forearm cuff
The forearm cuff of a Lofstrand crutch allows the user to release the handgrip while the crutch remains on the arm, enabling hands-free activities during functional tasks.
Which of the following assistive devices provides the LEAST amount of stability?
Answer: Standard straight cane
A standard straight cane has only one point of ground contact, providing the least stability compared to walkers, hemi-walkers, and quad canes.
A patient with a 2-point crutch gait moves:
Answer: One crutch and the contralateral lower extremity simultaneously
The 2-point pattern simultaneously advances one crutch with the contralateral lower extremity, mimicking normal reciprocal gait and requiring good balance.
When measuring cane height for a patient, the handle should be level with the:
Answer: Wrist crease with arm relaxed at side
The cane handle at wrist crease height (arm relaxed at side) results in approximately 20-30° of elbow flexion during use, which is the optimal functional position.
A patient progressing from a standard walker to a less supportive device would MOST appropriately transition to:
Answer: Quad cane
A quad cane is the logical next step down in support from a walker, providing more stability than a standard cane while requiring more balance than a walker.