Question

Difficulty: HardAccident, Error, and Injury Prevention

While walking a recovering individual down the facility corridor, the client suddenly reports extreme dizziness and begins to collapse. To prevent injury, arrange the following actions in the correct sequence for the nurse to safely assist the client to the floor.

  1. 1Maintain a continuous, firm grip on the client's transfer belt.
  2. 2Establish a wide base of support with one foot positioned slightly forward.
  3. 3Pull the client's weight backward against the nurse's center of gravity.
  4. 4Allow the client to slide downward along the nurse's extended front leg.
  5. 5Bend at the knees to lower the client while supporting their head and neck.

Answer

The correct sequence for managing a falling client is to first secure the transfer belt, establish a wide stance, pull the client backward against the nurse's body, allow the client to slide down the extended leg, and finally bend the knees to lower the client while protecting their head.
Executing an assisted, controlled fall is a vital accident prevention protocol. It minimizes injury to both the client and the nurse. By immediately securing the client, broadening the base of support, utilizing the nurse's center of gravity, and using the large leg muscles to guide the descent, the nurse prevents sudden blunt force trauma to the client and avoids hazardous ergonomic strain.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Maintain a continuous, firm grip on the client's transfer belt.
The client is physically secured by the nurse.
Immediate physical control is necessary to transition the event from an uncontrolled collapse to an assisted fall.
2
Establish a wide base of support with one foot positioned slightly forward.
The nurse's balance and structural stability are maximized.
A widened stance prevents the nurse from being pulled off balance by the sudden downward force of the client.
3
Pull the client's weight backward against the nurse's center of gravity.
The client's body is stabilized against the nurse.
Aligning the client's center of gravity with the nurse's reduces the leverage of the falling weight, preventing ergonomic injury.
4
Allow the client to slide downward along the nurse's extended front leg.
The client is guided toward the floor in a controlled manner.
The leg acts as a physical ramp, absorbing the momentum of the fall and preventing a direct impact with the floor.
5
Bend at the knees to lower the client while supporting their head and neck.
Both the client and the nurse reach the floor safely without trauma.
Using the large muscles of the legs (squatting) protects the nurse's back, while hands-on support prevents cranial injury to the client.

Key Concept

Controlled Client Fall Technique and Ergonomic Safety
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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