The nurse is evaluating care of a patient for crutches. Which finding indicates a successful outcome?

A) The top of the crutch is three to four finger widths from the armpit.
B) The elbows are slightly flexed at 30 to 35 degrees when the patient is standing.
C) The tip of the crutch is 4 to 6 inches anterior to the front of the patient's shoes.
D) The position of the handgrips allows the axilla to support the patient's body weight.

When crutches are fitted, the tip of the crutch is 4 to 6 inches anterior to the front of the patient's shoes, and the length of the crutch is two to three finger widths from the axilla. Position the handgrips so the axillae are not supporting the patient's body weight. Pressure on the axillae increases risk to underlying nerves, which sometimes results in partial paralysis of the arm. Determine correct position of the handgrips with the patient upright, supporting weight by the handgrips with the elbows slightly flexed at 20 to 25 degrees.