a 60-year-old patient rehabilitating from a fractured ankle receives a walking cast from their physician and is referred to physical therapy. The patient has been cleared for partial weight bearing on their walking cast. Which type of assistive device would be the MOST appropriate for the patient?
A. Straight cane
B. Walker
C. Axillary crutches
D. bilateral canes - correct answer C. Axillary crutches.
Rational: Axillary Crutches are lightweight and recommended for patients with adequate coordination. They also will allow the patient to maintain partial weight bearing during ambulation. This is the most appropriate assistive device for the patient given their age and lack of other deficits.
A physical therapist assistant determines that a patient's abnormal gait pattern is characterized as ataxic. Which of the following BEST describes this gait pattern?
A. Wide base of support with exaggerated movements
B. Legs crossing the midline
C. Small shuffling steps and festinating
D. High stepping with foot slap - correct answer A: Wide base of support with exaggerated movements
Rational: Ataxia is defined by the presence of abnormal, uncoordinated movements. An ataxic gait pattern is characterized by staggering and unsteadiness. There is usually a wide base of support and movements are exaggerated.
A physical therapist assistant prepares to apply a sterile dressing to a wound after debridement. The assistant begins the process by drying the wound using a towel, applies medication to the wound using a gauze pad, and then applies a series of dressings that are secured using a bandage. The application of which of these steps would NOT warrant the use of sterile technique?
A. Bandage
B. Dressings
C. Medicati