Random question, what direction is Mecca?

[kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN]

I saw in Saunder's that it's to face your Islamic patients West(towards Mecca), but I just took an ATI test that said "face the pt EAST towards Mecca".

Also with crutches...Saunders says when you get up or sit in a chair, you should put the crutches on the AFFECTED side and balance with your good leg... ATI said I should NOT put the crutches on the affected side, but put then on the UNaffected side. Come on...they're saying EXACT opposites here

[caliotter3]

That is why it is often recommended that you go with one study resource. Take your best guess, and as for the Mecca question, wouldn't it matter where your point of reference is? I would certainly hope the NCLEX question would be worded accordingly.

[kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN]

That's what I thought about Mecca too. Is it going to be the same anywhere in the US though?

And I'm basically studying my Hurst only for content. But they didn't really mention TOO much about crutches, so I checked out what Saunders had to say just to make sure. And I am for sure NOT studying ATI for content, BUT...we were given a lot access to a lot of their tests and the 3.0 exams too(my school SWORE by ATI left and right), and their questions on the tests are based on their info, so yeah I'm missing some if I answer based on what Hurst says or Saunders. That's why I don't see how people can study kaplan, saunders, ati, ncsbn, lacharity, all at the same time..

[nursel56]

What direction Mecca is depends on where you are, and how far away from Mecca you are. In the United States, that would be facing East.

If you think about the consequences of bearing weight on an injured extremity with no mechanical support, it leads to one conclusion, but sometimes questions are just put together in a wacky manner, so best take Caliotter's advice and get some more sources to make sure! Best wishes.

[kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN]

I agree it's east...lol plus I googled it and found lots of maps that show the exact direction depending on your location on earth. I'm gonna do some more research about the crutches thing though.

[nursel56]

I agree it's east...lol plus I googled it and found lots of maps that show the exact direction depending on your location on earth. I'm gonna do some more research about the crutches thing though.

. . . if only all the questions were so easily resolved! I have to admit I've seen some questions where the correct answer is . like. . . huh??

[EDRN-2010]

I guess the important point to remember is to face them toward Mecca, and not to focus on the east/west part b/c chances are the question will not say "the patient is facing north" or the "patient is facing south"...as far as the crutch, I believe it is the affected side. My school gave us a link to this hospital website that has good crutch instructions with visuals. Here is the one for sitting

Using Crutches: Sitting, Standing, Through Doors | HealthSheets | Wellness Library | Mount Nittany Medical Center

[nursel56]

Well, I didn't do research on it, but if you think about it, it's sort of common sense. Maybe I'm wrong--- but if the crutches are on the uninjured side, the patient will probably fall. It's the equivalent of standing on one foot.

[Luckylefty87]

Just remember if a patient has right sided weakness (for example) what good is it going to do giving the patient a crutch or cane to hold onto on the affected (right extremity) if that extremity is weakened.

Advise the patient to use the mobility device on the unaffected side to safely support body weight. For example: have pt. hold cane with unaffected side and advance cane at the same time as the affected extremity. This provides the patient with support. Also remember that when transferring a patient from bed to chair etc.. that the patients "strong side" is towards the bed/chair/wheelchair.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Really wouldn't every direction put you at Mecca, eventially - though some would be closer than others.