Vital Signs Assessment for Nurses Related

Review Vital Signs Assessment for Nurses related questions and content

A physical therapist evaluates a patient following a transtibial amputation. Which factor is MOST likely to contribute to knee instability during gait?

  • A. Weak hip abductors
  • B. Prosthesis aligned in excessive dorsiflexion
  • C. Prosthesis too short
  • D. Socket too tight
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prosthesis aligned in excessive dorsiflexion. Excessive dorsiflexion can lead to increased knee flexion during stance phase of gait, causing knee instability. Weak hip abductors (A) may contribute to Trendelenburg gait but not knee instability. A prosthesis that is too short (C) may result in decreased step length but not necessarily knee instability. A socket too tight (D) can cause discomfort and skin breakdown but is unlikely to directly lead to knee instability.