NPTE-PTA Equipment, Devices & Technologies 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient has non-weight-bearing (NWB) status on the right lower extremity and is using axillary crutches. Which gait pattern is MOST appropriate?
- 2-point gait
- 3-point gait (Correct answer)
- 4-point gait
- Swing-through gait
Correct answer: 3-point gait
The 3-point gait pattern is used for NWB on one extremity, where both crutches and the affected limb advance together, followed by the uninvolved leg.
Question 2: When fitting a patient for axillary crutches, the axillary pad should be positioned how far below the axilla?
- Flush with the axilla
- 1-2 inches below (Correct answer)
- 4-5 inches below
- At the level of the shoulder
Correct answer: 1-2 inches below
The axillary pad should rest 1-2 inches (2-3 finger widths) below the axilla to prevent compression of the brachial plexus and axillary nerve.
Question 3: A Lofstrand (forearm) crutch differs from an axillary crutch primarily because it:
- Requires less upper extremity strength to use
- Allows hands-free use via the forearm cuff (Correct answer)
- Provides greater overall stability than axillary crutches
- Is contraindicated for long-term use
Correct answer: Allows hands-free use via the forearm cuff
The forearm cuff of a Lofstrand crutch allows the user to release the handgrip while the crutch remains on the arm, enabling hands-free activities during functional tasks.
Question 4: Which of the following assistive devices provides the LEAST amount of stability?
- Standard walker
- Hemi-walker
- Quad cane
- Standard straight cane (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Standard straight cane
A standard straight cane has only one point of ground contact, providing the least stability compared to walkers, hemi-walkers, and quad canes.
Question 5: A patient with a 2-point crutch gait moves:
- One crutch first, then the opposite crutch
- Both crutches together, then both legs together
- One crutch and the contralateral lower extremity simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Both crutches first, then both legs swing through
Correct answer: One crutch and the contralateral lower extremity simultaneously
The 2-point pattern simultaneously advances one crutch with the contralateral lower extremity, mimicking normal reciprocal gait and requiring good balance.
Question 6: When measuring cane height for a patient, the handle should be level with the:
- Greater trochanter
- Wrist crease with arm relaxed at side (Correct answer)
- Anterior superior iliac spine
- Mid-thigh level
Correct answer: Wrist crease with arm relaxed at side
The cane handle at wrist crease height (arm relaxed at side) results in approximately 20-30° of elbow flexion during use, which is the optimal functional position.
Question 7: A patient progressing from a standard walker to a less supportive device would MOST appropriately transition to:
- Axillary crutches
- Quad cane (Correct answer)
- Lofstrand crutches
- Platform walker
Correct answer: Quad cane
A quad cane is the logical next step down in support from a walker, providing more stability than a standard cane while requiring more balance than a walker.
NPTE-PTA Equipment, Devices & Technologies 1
A patient has non-weight-bearing (NWB) status on the right lower extremity and is using axillary crutches.
Which gait pattern is MOST appropriate?