Episode 21 – Levels of Weight Bearing

A patient explains to a physical therapist that she was instructed to bear up to ten pounds of weight on their involved extremity. Which description is MOST consistent with the patient’s weight bearing status? 

1. Non-weight bearing 

2. Toe touch weight bearing 

3. Partial weight bearing 

4. Weight bearing as tolerated 

Welcome back to the Scorebuilders’ Question and Answer Podcast! This podcast provides members of the Scorebuilders’ team with the opportunity to explore challenging multiple-choice examination questions with students actively preparing for the licensing examination. My name is Scott Giles and I will be your host for today’s journey.

Ready? Let’s go!

A patient explains to a physical therapist that she was instructed to bear up to ten pounds of weight on their involved extremity. Which description is MOST consistent with the patient’s weight bearing status? 

1. Non-weight bearing 

2. Toe touch weight bearing 

3. Partial weight bearing 

4. Weight bearing as tolerated

Therapists often classify a patient’s weight bearing status using specific terminology ranging from non-weight bearing to full weight bearing. It’s important for therapists to fully understand these terms since failure to follow the prescribed weight bearing status can jeopardize the safety of the patient and result in professional negligence.

Let’s explore each of the options:

Option 1 - Non-weight bearing 

Non-weight bearing occurs when a patient is unable to place any weight through the involved extremity and is not permitted to touch the ground or any surface.

Commonsense says that non-weight bearing must refer to the absence of weight being borne. Bearing up to “ten pounds” sure sounds like weight is being borne on the affected extremity. There is no way that non weight bearing best describes the patient’s weigh bearing status.

Survey Says….Not a chance

Option 2 - Toe touch weight bearing 

Toe touch weight bearing occurs when a patient is unable to place any weight through the involved extremity, however, may place the toes on the ground to assist with balance. 

I feel like I have larger than normal toes. However, I can tell you that my toes are not 10 pounds and I challenge you to find a human being who has 10 pound toes.

Survey Says….Seductive, but stay strong!

Option 3 - Partial weight bearing 

Partial weight bearing occurs when a patient is allowed to put a particular amount of weight through the involved extremity. The amount of weight bearing is expressed as allowable pounds of pressure or as a percentage of total weight. Partial weight bearing requires an assistive device.

Survey Says….Oh, baby! Now we are cooking with gas!

Option 4 - Weight bearing as tolerated
Weight bearing as tolerated occurs when a patient determines the proper amount of weight bearing based on comfort. The amount of weight bearing can range from minimal to full.

This classification of weight bearing does nothing to specify the extent of allowable weight bearing.

Survey Says….Too variable!

The correct answer is Option 3

This is a meat and potato question. C’mon what is more PT 101 than levels of weight bearing. You have to be prepared on the big day to answer questions like this correctly since the topic lends itself to academic review. Take the time to ensure that you have full mastery of foundational topics like this prior to the big day. 

It’s important to recognize that questions dealing with PT 101 information can still be tricky. In fact, with this particular question, slightly less than 50% of the students answered the question correctly. Mistakes like this really hurt on the licensing examination! 

Let’s explore the all student data:
2% of students selected Option 1, Non-weight bearing
49% of students selected Option 2, Toe touch weight bearing
47% of students selected Option 3, Partial weight bearing, the correct response
2% of students selected Option 4, Weight bearing as tolerated

System Classification
This question is a Non-Systems question which represents approximately 14% of all exam items.

Content Outline Classification
This question is an Equipment, Devices, and Technologies question which represents approximately 3% of all exam items.

Level Classification
This question is a Level 1 question since the question requires students to possess basic foundational academic knowledge. Remediation of Level 1 questions occurs through academic review of entry-level content using textbooks, review books, Basecamp, and flash cards.

Academic Focus Area
Looking to review related academic content? Check out page 703 in PTEXAM: The Complete Study Guide.

Thanks for joining us on the Scorebuilders Q and A podcast! See you next week!

Watch the video version of this Q&A episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/JfIIZi_nn1A