National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

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What is the purpose of measuring key dimensions for a manual wheelchair prior to fitting a patient?

To ensure it fits in the patient's home
To enhance mobility independence
To prevent skin breakdown
To provide appropriate seating support

The correct answer is: To provide appropriate seating support

Measuring key dimensions for a manual wheelchair prior to fitting a patient is crucial in order to provide appropriate seating support. Properly fitting the wheelchair to the patient ensures that they receive adequate support at the right points, which is essential for maintaining comfort and stability during use. Appropriate seating support helps to align the patient's body correctly, which can minimize the risk of developing postural deformities. A well-fitted wheelchair can also significantly contribute to the prevention of complications such as skin breakdown. Ensuring proper dimensions helps distribute weight evenly and reduces pressure points, which are critical factors in skin integrity. Additionally, while aspects such as mobility independence and fitting the wheelchair in a home environment are important, they largely stem from the foundational need for the wheelchair to provide appropriate support. When a wheelchair fits correctly, it not only enhances the patient’s mobility but also supports their overall health and well-being.