Question

Difficulty: HardBasic Care and Comfort

A registered nurse is preparing to safely move a client who has right-sided hemiparesis from the hospital bed into a wheelchair. In what sequence should the nurse perform the following interventions?

  1. 1Position the wheelchair on the client's left side at a 45-degree angle to the bed and engage the wheel locks.
  2. 2Assist the client to a sitting position on the side of the bed and observe for dizziness.
  3. 3Apply a transfer belt securely around the client's waist and ensure they are wearing non-skid footwear.
  4. 4Face the client, grasp the transfer belt on both sides, and brace the client's right knee with your own knee.
  5. 5Instruct the client to stand, pivot toward their left side, and reach for the wheelchair armrest with their left hand.

Answer

The correct sequence prioritizes environmental safety by placing the chair on the strong side, prevents orthostatic hypotension by dangling, secures the client with a gait belt and footwear, stabilizes the weak leg during standing, and executes the pivot toward the strong side.
The correct sequence ensures client safety by addressing environmental, physiological, and mechanical risks in a logical order. The nurse must first prepare the environment by placing the chair on the strong side. Next, the nurse addresses physiological safety by allowing the client to dangle to prevent orthostatic hypotension. Mechanical safety is then established by applying a gait belt and non-skid footwear. Finally, the nurse provides physical support by bracing the weak side during the stand and directing the pivot toward the strong side.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Place the wheelchair on the client's strong (left) side and lock the wheels.
The environment is secured for a safe transfer path.
Transferring toward the unaffected side ensures the client can use their strong leg to pivot and bear weight safely.
2
Sit the client on the edge of the bed and allow their legs to dangle.
The client is acclimated to an upright posture.
This allows baroreceptors to adjust, preventing orthostatic hypotension and dizziness before standing.
3
Apply the transfer belt and put on non-skid footwear.
The client is properly equipped for physical movement.
The belt provides the nurse with a secure grip to prevent falls, and the footwear provides traction.
4
Brace the client's weak (right) leg while holding the transfer belt.
The client's hemiparetic side is fully supported.
This prevents the weakened knee from buckling under the client's weight during the standing phase.
5
Pivot the client to the left and lower them into the chair.
The client is safely transferred into the wheelchair.
Using the strong arm and leg allows the client to control their descent and maintain balance during the final step.

Key Concept

Safe client transfer techniques for hemiparesis
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question