If forward balance cannot be recovered by the patient on stairs, what should you instruct the patient to do?

If forward balance cannot be recovered by the patient on stairs, what should you instruct the patient to do?

• A. Tell patient to release crutches, reach for rail, and lower to step or wall
• B. Have patient lower themselves to the ground
• C. Instruct patient to stop and wait for assistance
• D. Help patient regain upright and continue upward

Answer: (A)

When forward balance can’t be recovered on stairs, safety comes from creating a controlled, supported descent rather than trying to continue or drop to the ground. Instruct the patient to release the crutches, reach for the handrail, and lower to the next step or to a supportive surface like a wall. Using the rail provides a fixed, stable point to hold onto, preventing a forward fall, while freeing the hands to grip securely. Lowering to a step or the wall gives a safer, lower height to regain balance or wait for assistance, reducing the risk of a uncontrolled fall. In contrast, lowering to the ground on stairs or stopping and waiting without using the rail can leave the patient in a hazardous situation, and attempting to continue upward with compromised balance would be unsafe.

When forward balance can’t be recovered on stairs, safety comes from creating a controlled, supported descent rather than trying to continue or drop to the ground. Instruct the patient to release the crutches, reach for the handrail, and lower to the next step or to a supportive surface like a wall. Using the rail provides a fixed, stable point to hold onto, preventing a forward fall, while freeing the hands to grip securely. Lowering to a step or the wall gives a safer, lower height to regain balance or wait for assistance, reducing the risk of a uncontrolled fall. In contrast, lowering to the ground on stairs or stopping and waiting without using the rail can leave the patient in a hazardous situation, and attempting to continue upward with compromised balance would be unsafe.