List four common weight-bearing status abbreviations used in transfer/ambulation planning and their meanings.

• A. FWB (Full Weight Bearing), PWB (Partial Weight Bearing), TTWB/TDWB (Toe-Touch/Touch-Down Weight Bearing), WBAT (Weight Bearing As Tolerated).
• B. NWB (Non-Weight Bearing), PWB (Partial Weight Bearing), FWB (Full Weight Bearing), WBAT (Weight Bearing At Tolerance).
• C. WBAT, PWB, FWB, NWB (Non-Weight Bearing).
• D. Full, Partial, Toe-Touch, Weight-Bearing At-Threshold.

Answer: (A)

Weight-bearing status abbreviations are the shorthand therapists use to tell patients how much weight they can place on a healing limb during transfers and ambulation. The four terms here capture a clear progression from not placing weight to placing full weight, with two intermediate options.

Full Weight Bearing means the patient can bear all body weight through the leg. Partial Weight Bearing indicates only some weight is allowed, often specified by a percentage or a clinician’s instruction. Toe-Touch Weight Bearing (also called Touch-Down) allows the toes to touch the floor for balance but does not place meaningful weight through the leg. Weight Bearing As Tolerated means the patient bears weight up to what they can tolerate, increasing as pain or fatigue allows.

Other choices may include non-weight bearing or use less standard terminology, which isn’t as universally used in transfer and ambulation planning. This set best represents the common, clear language used to guide safe movement and progression.