Q1. The nurse is teaching a patient with a right-leg fracture who has a prescription for partial weight-bearing status how to ambulate with crutches. The nurse determines that the patient demonstrates compliance with this restriction to prevent complications of the fracture if the patient follows which direction?
- Puts 60% to 80% of the weight on the right leg/foot
- Puts 30% to 50% of the weight on the right leg/foot
- Does not bear any weight on the right leg/foot
- Allows the right foot to only touch the floor
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Puts 30% to 50% of the weight on the right leg/foot
The patient who has partial weight-bearing status is allowed to place 30% to 50% of the body weight on the affected limb. Touchdown weight-bearing allows the patient to let the limb touch the floor but not to bear weight. Non- weight-bearing status does not allow the patient to let the limb touch the floor. There is no classification for 60% to 80% weight-bearing status. Full weightbearing status involves placing full weight on the limb. Priority Nursing Tip: Instruct the patient with crutches never to rest the axillae on the axillary bars because of the risk of damaging the brachial plexus.