Question

the nurse is educating a client who will be using crutches for approximately 6 weeks. which exercise would be beneficial to help with crutch use?

gluteal setting exercises
flexion and extension of the arms and the wrists
sit-ups
quadriceps setting exercises

Explanation:

Analyze the physical demands of crutch walking

Using crutches requires significant upper body strength, particularly in the arms, shoulders, and chest, to support and propel the body's weight. The muscles primarily involved in pushing down on the handgrips to lift the body include the triceps, pectorals, and latissimus dorsi.

Evaluate the muscle groups targeted by each option

• gluteal setting exercises: These are isometric contractions of the gluteal muscles, which help with hip stability and lower extremity strength, but do not directly strengthen the upper body muscles needed to support weight on crutches.
• flexion and extension of the arms and the wrists: This directly targets the key muscle groups (such as the triceps and wrist extensors/flexors) that bear the weight of the body when pushing down on the handgrips of the crutches.
• sit-ups: These strengthen the abdominal muscles, which support core stability but are not the primary drivers for supporting body weight on crutches.
• quadriceps setting exercises: These are isometric contractions of the quadriceps to maintain knee extension strength, which is useful for the unaffected leg or general leg strength, but not the primary upper body requirement for crutch manipulation.

Select the most beneficial exercise

Strengthening the upper extremities (specifically through flexion and extension of the arms and wrists) is the most critical preparation for a client who will be using crutches, as it builds the endurance and power needed to lift and support the body during ambulation.

Answer:

• gluteal setting exercises
• flexion and extension of the arms and the wrists (Correct answer)
• sit-ups
• quadriceps setting exercises