Title: Assist with crutch walking.
Course: Nurse Aide II Condensed (14051-II-A) > Section: Developing Basic Nursing Skills

Assistance should include

- ensuring a client/resident/patient is wearing nonskid footwear
- assisting a client/resident/patient with standing
- checking rubber safety tips and adjusting crutches to fit a client/resident/patient
- positioning and using crutches
- following safety precautions during crutch-walking exercise
- documenting information on a client/resident/patient record.

Refer to Unit XI in Nurse Aide Curriculum (https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/media/dhpweb/docs/nursing/forms/education/NurseAide_Ed_Program_Curriculum.doc), Virginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Department of Health Professions, 2018.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What types of injuries could occur if crutches are not properly fitted or used?
- How would a CNA teach a client/resident/patient to use a specific type of crutch gait (e.g., two-, three-, or four-point alternating gait)?
- On which side should a client/resident/patient hold a crutch?