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Question

Difficulty: EasyBasic Care and Comfort

An individual who recently experienced a cerebrovascular accident has residual hemiparesis on the right side of their body. The nurse is preparing to assist the client in transferring from the edge of the bed to a wheelchair. Which placement of the wheelchair is most appropriate for a safe transfer?

  1. On the client's left side, placed at a slight angle to the bedAnswer
  2. B
    On the client's right side, positioned strictly parallel to the bed
  3. C
    Directly in front of the client, requiring a forward stepping motion
  4. D
    On the client's right side, facing away from the foot of the bed

Answer

The wheelchair should be placed on the client's left side, positioned at a slight angle to the bed.
The safest transfer technique for a client with hemiparesis requires placing the wheelchair on the client's unaffected (strong) side. Since this client has right-sided weakness, the chair should be positioned on their left side at a slight angle. This allows the client to bear weight and pivot on their strong left leg while reaching for the far wheelchair armrest with their strong left arm, ensuring a stable and controlled movement from the bed to the chair.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the client's strong and weak sides based on the clinical presentation.
The client has right-sided hemiparesis (weakness), meaning the left side is the unaffected, strong side.
Transfers must always lead with the strong side to ensure the client can support their own weight safely.
2
Determine the optimal placement for the wheelchair.
The wheelchair must be placed on the left side of the bed at a 30 to 45-degree angle.
Placing the chair on the unaffected side allows the client to pivot on their strong leg and use their strong arm to reach the armrest.

Key Concept

Safe Client Transfer Techniques
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Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

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