A practical nurse (PN) is evaluating the safety of a room transfer for a client who has right-sided hemiplegia and moderate dementia. The client is currently agitated, attempting to get out of bed unassisted, and unable to follow verbal instructions or bear weight on the affected leg. An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) brings a powered stand-assist lift into the room to move the client to a bedside chair. Which action is the priority for the PN?
- Intervene and request a full-body mechanical sling lift, as the client's current cognitive and physical status contraindicates a stand-assist lift.Answer
- BDirect the UAP to assess the client's bilateral hand grip strength to determine if the client can safely hold onto the stand-assist handles.
- CApply bilateral soft wrist restraints prior to the transfer to prevent the agitated client from pulling on the mechanical lift components.
- DInstruct the UAP to manually lift the client under the axillae while pivoting toward the unaffected side to expedite the transfer and reduce agitation.
Answer
Intervene and request a full-body mechanical sling lift, as the client's current cognitive and physical status contraindicates a stand-assist lift.
The correct action is to intervene and switch to a full-body mechanical sling lift. Ergonomic safety standards dictate that powered stand-assist lifts are only safe for clients who can bear weight on at least one leg, possess adequate upper body strength, and can follow multi-step commands. Because this client is agitated, unable to follow commands, and has hemiplegia, utilizing the stand-assist lift poses a critical risk for falls and mechanical injury.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
To safely use a powered stand-assist lift, a client must be able to bear weight on at least one leg, possess sufficient upper body strength to grasp the device, and follow instructions. Clients lacking these abilities require a full-body mechanical sling lift for safe transfer.