A client with left-sided weakness is scheduled to sit in a chair for their morning meal. The client is currently lying in bed. In what order should the nurse complete the following actions to safely transfer the client to a wheelchair?
- 1Place the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed on the client's right side.
- 2Engage the wheel locks on both the hospital bed and the wheelchair.
- 3Assist the client to an upright sitting position on the edge of the bed to dangle their legs.
- 4Fasten a gait belt securely around the client's waist.
- 5Instruct the client to bear weight on the right leg and pivot into the wheelchair.
Answer
The correct chronological order is to first position the wheelchair on the client's strong side, lock all equipment brakes, assist the client to a sitting position to dangle their legs, apply the gait belt for safety, and finally instruct the client to bear weight on their strong leg to pivot into the chair.
Safe patient transfer requires a systematic approach to prevent injury to both the client and the nurse. Equipment positioning and stabilization must occur first by placing the chair on the strong side and locking all brakes. Next, the client is prepared physiologically by sitting up and dangling the legs to prevent orthostatic hypotension. A gait belt is then applied for handling safety. Finally, the physical pivot transfer is executed, relying on the client's strong leg to safely complete the movement into the wheelchair.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Client Transfer and Mobility