Question of the Week – March 23, 2022

Rationale:

Answer: 2 Rationale: Crutches are measured so that the tops are 2 to 3 fingerwidths from the axillae. This ensures that the client’s axillae are not resting on the crutch or bearing the weight of the crutch, which could result in injury to the nerves of the brachial plexus. Although the conditions in options 1, 3, and 4 can occur, they are not the most likely result from resting the axilla directly on the crutches.

Additional Info:

Test-Taking Strategy: Note the strategic words, most likely, and focus on the data in the question. Recalling the risk associated with brachial nerve plexus injury will direct you to the correct option.

Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying

Client Needs: Physiological

Integrity Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning

Content Area: Adult Health: Musculoskeletal

Health Problem: Adult Health: Musculoskeletal: Skeletal Injury

Priority Concepts: Client Education; Safety

Reference: Potter et al. (2017), pp. 806-807.