Prevention of plantar flexion (footdrop) through the application of hi

Prevention of plantar flexion (footdrop) through the application of high-topped shoes is a primary intervention for which of the following mobility-impaired clients?

1. A 54-year-old diagnosed with osteoarthritis in all lower extremity joints
2. A 25-year-old with a fractured pelvis as a result of a motorcycle accident
3. A 78-year-old who has experienced left-sided paralysis resulting from a cerebral vascular accident (CVA)
4. A 15-year-old who has been comatose for 2 years as a result of a head injury sus-tained from a fall off a roof

ANSWER

ANS: 2
The client who has suffered a CVA with resulting left-sided paralysis (hemiplegia) is at risk for footdrop. In two of the options, the client would not damage the nerve necessary to cause the condition, and the remaining option is not the correct answer because there is little chance this client will ever be capable of mobility.