Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of wheelchair is designed for patients with only one upper extremity use?
Which type of wheelchair is designed for patients with only one upper extremity use?
What is the weight capacity of a bariatric wheelchair?
What is the weight capacity of a bariatric wheelchair?
What is an important feature of a power wheelchair?
What is an important feature of a power wheelchair?
Which wheelchair feature is characterized by back being low-profile and slanted drive wheels?
Which wheelchair feature is characterized by back being low-profile and slanted drive wheels?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the characteristics of customized power chairs?
What are the characteristics of customized power chairs?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a component often found in standard or prescriptive wheelchairs?
Which of the following is NOT a component often found in standard or prescriptive wheelchairs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the common control method for power wheelchairs?
What is the common control method for power wheelchairs?
Signup and view all the answers
Which feature indicates a wheelchair designed for children up to age six?
Which feature indicates a wheelchair designed for children up to age six?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of wheelchair is characterized by a weight of 12-30 lbs?
What type of wheelchair is characterized by a weight of 12-30 lbs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a disadvantage associated with one-arm drive wheelchairs?
What is a disadvantage associated with one-arm drive wheelchairs?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of wheelchair is advisable for patients who cannot advance with a wheelchair on their own?
What type of wheelchair is advisable for patients who cannot advance with a wheelchair on their own?
Signup and view all the answers
Which feature of armrests is NOT commonly listed for wheelchairs?
Which feature of armrests is NOT commonly listed for wheelchairs?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of leg rest is suitable for wheelchair users who may require a recliner?
What type of leg rest is suitable for wheelchair users who may require a recliner?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of seat is considered appropriate for long-term wheelchair users requiring postural support?
Which type of seat is considered appropriate for long-term wheelchair users requiring postural support?
Signup and view all the answers
What characteristic does a cross-brace frame provide in a wheelchair?
What characteristic does a cross-brace frame provide in a wheelchair?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common type of tire seen on casters?
What is a common type of tire seen on casters?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of wheelchair frame is preferred for sports and increased activity due to its durability?
Which type of wheelchair frame is preferred for sports and increased activity due to its durability?
Signup and view all the answers
What accessory can be used to maintain foot position in wheelchair leg rests?
What accessory can be used to maintain foot position in wheelchair leg rests?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of seat cushion is specifically mentioned as a supportive accessory for wheelchair users?
What type of seat cushion is specifically mentioned as a supportive accessory for wheelchair users?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a characteristic of a fully reclining seat in a wheelchair?
What is a characteristic of a fully reclining seat in a wheelchair?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of the toggle lock in a wheelchair?
What is the function of the toggle lock in a wheelchair?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens if the seat of a wheelchair is too high?
What happens if the seat of a wheelchair is too high?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of brake extensions on a wheelchair?
What is the purpose of brake extensions on a wheelchair?
Signup and view all the answers
When measuring for armrest height, what additional consideration must be taken into account?
When measuring for armrest height, what additional consideration must be taken into account?
Signup and view all the answers
What measurement should be added to the seat width when determining the correct size?
What measurement should be added to the seat width when determining the correct size?
Signup and view all the answers
What could be a consequence of a seat depth that is too short?
What could be a consequence of a seat depth that is too short?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the average height for adult armrests above the chair seat?
What is the average height for adult armrests above the chair seat?
Signup and view all the answers
What should a caregiver educate patients about to prevent skin breakdown?
What should a caregiver educate patients about to prevent skin breakdown?
Signup and view all the answers
How should one measure the seat height in relation to leg length?
How should one measure the seat height in relation to leg length?
Signup and view all the answers
Where are the anti-tippers located on a wheelchair?
Where are the anti-tippers located on a wheelchair?
Signup and view all the answers
What modification should be considered for patients with poor trunk control when determining back height?
What modification should be considered for patients with poor trunk control when determining back height?
Signup and view all the answers
How often should pressure-relieving measures be performed?
How often should pressure-relieving measures be performed?
Signup and view all the answers
What might happen if a wheelchair seat is too wide?
What might happen if a wheelchair seat is too wide?
Signup and view all the answers
Which anatomical landmark is used to measure seat depth?
Which anatomical landmark is used to measure seat depth?
Signup and view all the answers
What action is NOT effective in preventing pressure sores, even with proper use of a cushion?
What action is NOT effective in preventing pressure sores, even with proper use of a cushion?
Signup and view all the answers
Which area is NOT commonly associated with skin breakdown?
Which area is NOT commonly associated with skin breakdown?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a critical maintenance task for wheelchairs?
What is a critical maintenance task for wheelchairs?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes what happens if footrests are set too low?
Which of the following best describes what happens if footrests are set too low?
Signup and view all the answers
What two measurements are crucial to determine the fit of a wheelchair?
What two measurements are crucial to determine the fit of a wheelchair?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the ideal method for performing a lateral weight shift?
What is the ideal method for performing a lateral weight shift?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Wheelchair Features and Maintenance
-
Types of wheelchairs:
- Standard Adult: weighs 300 pounds and can carry up to 300 pounds.
- Ultralight: weighs 12-30 pounds, can carry up to 300 pounds.
- Bariatric: carries 400-750 pounds.
- Narrow Adult:
- Extra-Wide:
- Junior:
- Growing - Child (up to age 6):
- Hemiplegia: sitting height is lower than standard.
- Amputee: rear wheels are offset 2" posterior.
- One-arm drive:
- Power wheelchair:
- Sports: back is low profile, drive wheels are cambered (slanted).
- Reclining:
- Tilt in Space:
- Companion/"Traveler":
- Child-size stroller:
- Electric Scooter:
- I-BOT:
-
Drive Mechanisms:
- Manual: propelled using upper extremities, lower extremities, unilateral extremities, or one upper extremity.
-
One-arm drive: both handrims are located on one wheel, designed for patients with use of only one upper extremity.
- Outer rim controls the wheel on that side.
- Inner rim controls the wheel on the opposite side.
- Push both rims forward to go straight.
- Push the outer rim to turn the wheelchair to that side.
- Push only the inner rim to turn the wheelchair to the opposite side.
-
Power Drive Wheelchairs:
- Basic power chairs: often smaller and lighter than customized power chairs but lack the durability of power chairs.
-
Customized power chairs: have more features and options specific to the client.
- Runs on a battery that needs frequent recharging.
- Heavier than other wheelchairs.
- Typically do not fold.
- Can weigh up to 500 pounds.
- Very expensive ($25,000 --> $100,000).
- Controlled by a joystick, head mount, breath (sip and puff), voice, eye mount, etc.
- Advisable for patients who cannot advance a wheelchair themselves.
-
Arm Rests:
- Fixed, removable, or swing-away.
- Full length or desk (cut out) arms.
- Height adjustable.
-
Leg Rests/Foot Rests: footplate with calf or a footplate only.
- Fixed, removable, or swing-away.
- Elevating, non-elevating, or telescopic (lengthens as you recline).
- Heel or toe loops to maintain foot position.
-
Seat and Seat Back:
-
Seat and seat back:
- Standard: sling back and sling seat, used in temporary situations.
- Solid (hard): provides postural support for long term wheelchair users.
- Extended: higher than standard for patients with poor trunk/head control.
-
Reclining: for patients who cannot tolerate a full vertical position, poor trunk control, or a lack of 90 degrees hip/trunk flexion for sitting.
- Fully reclining: reclines horizontally.
- Semi-reclining: reclines to 30 degrees.
-
Other accessories:
- Seat cushions (foam, gel, Jay, Roho, etc.).
- Head/neck extension - for patients with poor head/neck control.
- Seat belts (lap belt and chest belt).
- Seating systems (seat and seat back -- usually Jay) -- head and trunk support, abductor pommel to prevent hip adduction.
- Lap tray.
-
Seat and seat back:
-
Frame:
- Cross-brace Frame: Acts as a shock absorber for a smoother ride; allows for folding.
- Rigid Frame: Usual seen in light weight wheelchairs/ sports wheelchairs - does not fold. More durable for increased activities/impact.
-
Wheels/Casters:
- Rear wheels: called the drive wheels; generally 24" in diameter.
- Front wheels: called casters; generally 5-8" in diameter.
- Tires for both may be:
- Solid rubber - especially seen on casters.
- Semi-pneumatic.
- Pneumatic: (with inner tube; air filled), with or without tread.
- Hand rims - to propel the wheelchair; may have vertical, angled, or horizontal hand rim pegs to facilitate propulsion in someone with decreased hand function.
-
Locks: brakes
- Toggle lock: Standard; can be pushed or pulled to lock. Opposite movement disengages lock.
- Brake Extensions: Added to increase ease of use and/or if unable to reach standard brakes.
- "Z" or scissors lock: Located under the seat so it does not interfere with wheelchair propulsion using the drive wheels.
-
Anti-tippers: Attached to the Tip Assist bar. Adjustable and able to be flipped into the upward position when not needed or when another person is propelling and/or assisting up/down a curb.
Wheelchair Maintenance
- Wheelchair should be kept clean to minimize wear and corrosion.
- Gliding parts should be regularly cleaned and lubricated.
- Tires need replacing/repairing at regular intervals.
- Ensure the cross-brace frame remains in proper alignment.
Wheelchair Measurements
-
Critical Anatomical Landmarks:
- Scapula.
- Ischial tuberosity.
- Greater trochanter.
- Popliteal Crease-fossa.
-
Five Measurements:
- Seat width.
- Seat depth.
- Seat height and Leg length.
- Arm height.
- Back height.
-
1. Seat Width: (Average adult size = 18 inches)
- Measure across the widest part of the hips or thighs with the patient sitting. Add 2 inches to this measurement to determine seat width.
- If the seat is too narrow, pressure is put on the ischium and greater trochanter, and it may interfere with transfers.
- If the seat is too wide, the patient may be unstable in sitting and may have difficulty reaching the handrims on wheels to propel the chair.
- Measure across the widest part of the hips or thighs with the patient sitting. Add 2 inches to this measurement to determine seat width.
-
2. Seat Depth: (Average adult size = 16 inches)
- Measure from the posterior edge of the buttocks down the thigh to the popliteal fossa. Subtract 2 inches from this measurement to determine seat depth.
- If the seat is too short, body weight is distributed over a smaller area, which increases pressure, especially over ischial tuberosities.
- If the seat is too long, the skin behind the knee may become irritated and pressure on the popliteal artery may interfere with circulation to the lower leg and foot.
- Measure from the posterior edge of the buttocks down the thigh to the popliteal fossa. Subtract 2 inches from this measurement to determine seat depth.
-
3. Seat Height and Leg Length: (Average adult size = 19.5 - 20.5 inches)
- Measure leg length from heel to popliteal crease. The footplate should clear the ground by 2 inches even at the lowest setting. Add 2 inches to the leg length measurement to determine seat height.
- If the seat is too low, there may be improper weight distribution with greater weight over the buttocks.
- If the seat is too high, the patient may not be able to get knees under tables/desks, and the patient may have trouble pushing the wheelchair.
- If footrests are too low, they may drag on uneven surfaces and could tip the patient forward from the chair.
- Measure leg length from heel to popliteal crease. The footplate should clear the ground by 2 inches even at the lowest setting. Add 2 inches to the leg length measurement to determine seat height.
-
4. Arm Height: (Average adult size = 9 inches above chair seat)
- With the patient's arm relaxed by his side and the elbow flexed to 90 degrees, measure the distance from the seat to the olecranon process and then add 1 inch for proper height of the armrest. Must take into account the thickness of the seat cushion; measure the patient while on the cushion.
- If the armrests are too high, the patient will have difficulty propelling the wheelchair and develop postural problems.
- If the armrests are too low, poor posture and balance problems may result.
- With the patient's arm relaxed by his side and the elbow flexed to 90 degrees, measure the distance from the seat to the olecranon process and then add 1 inch for proper height of the armrest. Must take into account the thickness of the seat cushion; measure the patient while on the cushion.
-
5. Back Height: (Average adult size = 16 - 16.5 inches)
- Determined by measuring from the seat platform to the axilla and then subtracting 4 inches. If a patient is using a cushion, the thickness must be taken into account before measuring for back height.
- Some patients with poor trunk control may require a higher seat back.
- Determined by measuring from the seat platform to the axilla and then subtracting 4 inches. If a patient is using a cushion, the thickness must be taken into account before measuring for back height.
Patient and Family Education
-
Bony areas are prone to skin breakdown.
- Spinous processes.
- Inferior angle of scapulae.
- Ischial tuberosities.
- Greater trochanters.
- Lateral femoral condyles.
- Sacrum.
- Medial humeral epicondyles.
-
Pressure relieving measures include: done at least hourly or more frequently.
- "North/South/East/West"
- Seated push-ups "North".
- Lateral weight shift -- lift one buttock "East, then the other "West".
- Lean forward to unweight the ischial tuberosities "South".
- Tilt-in-space wheelchair for those with limited mobility.
- If the patient is dependent, remove from the wheelchair every 1-4 hours.
- Use of a wheelchair cushion does not prevent the occurrence of pressure sores.
-
Watch for signs of decreased circulation in the lower extremities.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers various types of wheelchairs, their features, and maintenance practices. Learn about the different categories such as standard, ultralight, bariatric, and specialized wheelchairs. Additionally, explore various drive mechanisms to understand how each type operates.
