RE: Section J unsteady gait

[Brenda Chance]

Title: RE: Section J unsteady gait

The manual explains unsteady gait as “A gait that places the resident at risk for falls.  Unsteady gaits take many forms.  The resident may appear to be unbalanced or walk with a sway.  Other gaits may have uncoordinated or jerking movements.  Examples of unsteady gaits may include fast gaits with large, careless movements; abnormally slow gaits with small shuffling steps; or wide-based gaits with halting, tentative steps.”  By the definition, I would say that the resident may be ambulatory.   Brenda W. Chance, RN, RAC-C MDS Coordinator     CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. -----Original Message----- From: Michelle Witges [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 2:57 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Section J unsteady gait   I wouldn't   ----- Original Message ----- From: Holly McGran To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 9:45 AM Subject: RE: Section J unsteady gait     Would you code "Unsteady gait" in section J1 if the resident does not walk? Thank you in advance. Holly McGran MSN RN