The nurse is caring for a patient using crutches to ambulate after sustaining a left ankle fracture. Which of the following indicates a complication associated with using crutches to ambulate?

Explanation

• Pressure on the axillae from crutch use can cause radial nerve damage. This will cause forearm weakness

• Patient's frequently put their weight on the crutch pad, using the axillae for support. This is due to a lack of arm strength

• Leg muscle spasms may occur from increased use, but this is not a complication

• Ankle pain is expected after an ankle fracture

• Right leg weakness may occur from increased use of the unaffected extremity, but this is not a complication

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