ABSTRACT
The more common types of assistive devices seen in the orthopaedic setting are described. Also included are descriptions of patient factors that guide the physical therapist in deciding which of these devices to try for which patients. Examples of typical patient problems are also included to help the nurse understand the decisions that therapists make. A simple decision tree contained in this article helps further this understanding.
Subject(s)
Canes , Crutches , Patient Selection , Physical Therapy Modalities/instrumentation , Walkers , Adult , Algorithms , Canes/supply & distribution , Choice Behavior , Crutches/supply & distribution , Decision Trees , Equipment Design , Humans , Needs Assessment , Nursing Assessment , Orthopedics , Walkers/supply & distributionABSTRACT
Obesity is a major health problem in the United States, and it is occurring at an increasing rate. When an orthopaedic patient is obese, the care plan and interventions must be adjusted for the specific patient needs. This article explores the multidimensional challenges and suggests strategies to provide safe care for the patient who is obese.
