National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

A physical therapist assistant instructs a patient with a left ankle injury and partial weight-bearing status with axillary crutches on how to ascend a curb. Where should the assistant stand relative to the patient?

1. Behind the patient

2. To the right of the patient

3. In front of the patient

4. To the left of the patient

The correct answer is: To the left of the patient

Instructing a patient with an ankle injury on how to ascend a curb while using axillary crutches requires careful consideration of safety and effective support. The assistant standing to the left of the patient is critical because it allows the assistant to provide proper support and guidance while also ensuring that the patient's injured side – in this case, the left ankle – is not positioned against the curb. Positioning the assistant on the left provides an advantageous perspective, enabling the assistant to monitor the patient's movements and offer immediate assistance if necessary. As the patient steps up with the right foot while using the crutches, the assistant can assist in stabilizing the patient and ensuring that the body is in line for the ascent. By standing to the left, the assistant is also maintaining a safe distance from the curb, minimizing the risk of accidental collisions that might lead to further injury. In addition, this positioning is consistent with the general guidance for assisting patients with unilateral weight-bearing limitations, where the caregiver stands on the side opposite the affected limb, enhancing both safety and the effectiveness of the assistance provided.