A patient using bilateral axillary crutches is instructed to ascend stairs with a 75% weight-bearing status on the right leg. Which sequence should be used?

• A. Place the left lower extremity on the next higher step, and follow with both the right lower extremity and crutches together.
• B. Position both crutches on the next higher step before initiating ascent.
• C. Place the right lower extremity on the next higher step, then follow with left lower extremity and crutches together.
• D. Place the right lower extremity on the next higher step with crutches, then follow with left lower extremity.

Answer: (A)

When climbing stairs with bilateral axillary crutches and a restricted weight-bearing status on one leg, the safest and most efficient pattern is to move the leg with less weight-bearing first, then bring up the weight-bearing leg with the crutches. This keeps most of the body weight supported by the leg allowed to bear weight while the crutches provide stability.

In this scenario, the left leg is advanced to the next step first, while the right leg remains to bear the load. After the left foot is on the step, the right leg and the crutches are brought up to the same step together. This sequence maintains safe support and minimizes stress on the restricted leg while using the crutches to maintain balance.

Choosing to place the crutches on the higher step first or to move the weight-bearing leg first would reduce stability or violate the weight-bearing restriction, which is why those options aren’t appropriate.