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Difficulty: Very hardBasic Care and Comfort

A nurse is preparing to transfer a non-weight-bearing client from the bed to a wheelchair using a mechanical floor lift equipped with a U-shaped (universal) sling. The client is currently lying supine in the center of the bed. In what chronological order should the nurse perform the following actions to safely complete the transfer?

  1. 1Position the client in a lateral recumbent position and tuck the folded U-sling beneath the client's torso.
  2. 2Roll the client to the contralateral side to unfurl the tucked portion of the sling flat against the mattress.
  3. 3Thread the lower leg straps under the client's thighs and cross the straps over the midline.
  4. 4Position the mechanical lift's chassis under the bed and secure the sling's loops to the overhead spreader bar.
  5. 5Hoist the client until clear of the mattress and maneuver the lift to lower the client into the wheelchair.

Answer

The correct sequence requires the nurse to first position the sling beneath the client using a side-to-side rolling technique, secure and cross the leg straps under the thighs, attach the fitted sling to the mechanical lift, and finally hoist the client into the wheelchair.
Safely transferring a dependent client using a mechanical floor lift requires systematic preparation. First, the nurse must position the sling beneath the client using a side-to-side log-rolling technique. Tucking the folded sling behind the client's back while in a lateral recumbent position, then rolling them to the contralateral side to pull it flat ensures the client is centered on the device. Next, threading the leg straps under the thighs and crossing them over the midline is a critical safety step; crossing the straps cradles the pelvis and prevents the client from slipping out of the bottom of the sling. Once the sling is completely and safely fitted around the client, the nurse positions the mechanical lift chassis under the bed and attaches the loops to the spreader bar. Finally, the client is hoisted just high enough to clear the bed and gently guided into the wheelchair.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Roll the client laterally and tuck the folded sling behind their back.
Positions one half of the sling under the client's body.
This technique utilizes the client's body weight to hold the sling in place and minimizes manual lifting strain on the nurse.
2
Roll the client to the opposite side and pull the sling flat.
Centers the client squarely on the fully opened sling.
Ensures the fabric is smooth and correctly positioned to safely distribute the client's weight during the transfer.
3
Thread and cross the leg straps under the client's thighs.
Secures the lower body within the sling apparatus.
Crossing the straps over the midline is a mandatory safety measure that prevents the client's legs from splaying and stops them from sliding out of the bottom of the sling.
4
Bring the lift over the bed and attach the sling loops to the spreader bar.
Connects the safely secured client to the lifting mechanism.
The lift chassis should only be positioned over the client once the sling is fully prepared, preventing entanglement or premature lifting.
5
Elevate the lift and guide the client into the wheelchair.
Completes the mechanical transfer safely.
Moves the dependent client to the new surface while maintaining safety, skin integrity, and proper body mechanics for the staff.

Key Concept

Safe application and operation of a mechanical floor lift for dependent client transfers
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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