Question

Difficulty: EasyBasic Care and Comfort

The nurse is preparing to transfer a client with right-sided hemiparesis from the bed to a wheelchair. To promote a safe transfer, where should the nurse position the wheelchair?

  1. A
    On the client's right side, parallel to the bed
  2. B
    Directly in front of the client at the foot of the bed
  3. On the client's left side, angled slightly toward the bedAnswer
  4. D
    On the client's right side, perpendicular to the bed

Answer

The wheelchair should be positioned on the client's left side, angled slightly toward the bed.
The correct nursing action is to position the wheelchair on the client's strong side (the left side, in this scenario). This allows the client to bear weight on their unaffected leg, safely pivot, and use their strong left arm to reach for the wheelchair's armrest, ensuring a stable and secure transfer.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the client's strong and weak sides based on the clinical presentation.
The client has right-sided hemiparesis, meaning the right side is weak and the left side is strong.
Safe transfer techniques require utilizing the client's functioning extremities to maintain balance and bear weight.
2
Apply the core principle of bed-to-chair transfers for clients with unilateral weakness.
The transfer should always be directed toward the client's strong side.
Transferring toward the strong side allows the client to pull themselves toward the chair using their strong arm and pivot securely on their strong leg.
3
Determine the optimal placement for the wheelchair.
The wheelchair must be placed on the left side, angled appropriately.
This alignment provides the shortest, safest pivoting distance for the client.

Key Concept

Safe Client Transfer and Positioning
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