Walker Height Adjustment for Post-Surgical Patient

A 68-year-old patient who has undergone a hip replacement surgery is being discharged from the hospital. The nurse provides the patient with a walker to aid in mobility as they recover. It is important for the nurse to assess the correct height of the walker before discharge. The correct height allows the patient to maintain a comfortable posture while using the device.

To find the appropriate height for the walker, the nurse should measure the patient's wrist height when the arms are at their sides. The optimum height for a walker is typically the height of the patient's wrist from the ground. If the patient's wrist measures _____ inches from the ground, then the walker should be set at this height.