Question

The nurse is assigned to care for a client who is experiencing episodes of postural hypotension. Which action should the nurse take to ensure safety while transferring the client from the bed to the chair?

a) Transfer the client quickly to minimize the time spent in an upright position.
b) Instruct the client to stand up rapidly to build tolerance to postural changes.
c) Rise slowly from a sitting to a standing position before assisting the client.
d) Use a gait belt around the client's waist to provide support during the transfer.

Answer 1

For a client with postural hypotension, the nurse should assist them to rise slowly when transferring them from the bed to a chair and use a gait belt for support.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is assigned to care for a client who is experiencing episodes of postural hypotension. When transferring the client from the bed to the chair, the nurse should:

This method ensures that the client's cardiovascular system has time to adjust, allowing blood pressure to stabilize, thereby minimizing the risk of dizziness or fainting due to a sudden change in position. Additionally, a gait belt may be used during the transfer to provide additional support and safety to the client.