Question

A nurse is transferring an older adult client who has right-sided weakness from bed to a wheelchair. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to provide a safe transfer?

a) Transfer the client quickly to minimize time spent standing.
b) Keep the client's affected side closer to the wheelchair.
c) Use a transfer belt around the client's neck for stability.
d) Ask the client to assist by pushing off the bed with their strong leg.

Answer 1

To transfer a client with right-sided weakness safely, the nurse should keep the client's affected side closer to the wheelchair, use a transfer belt around the waist, and encourage the client to push off the bed with their strong leg. Using proper techniques increases stability and safety during the transfer.

Step-by-step explanation:

To safely transfer an older adult client who has right-sided weakness from bed to a wheelchair, the nurse should take specific actions that ensure the client's safety and stability. It is important to keep the client's weaker side, in this case the right side, closer to the wheelchair to provide support and stability during the transfer. The nurse should use a transfer belt, but it must be secured around the client's waist, not the neck, to prevent injury and aid in guiding the client safely from the bed to the wheelchair.

Additionally, the nurse can ask the client to assist with the transfer by pushing off the bed using their strong leg. This leverage can make the transfer smoother and requires less physical exertion from the nurse while also encouraging client participation.