Question

A patient with limited mobility is being transferred from a sitting position to a bed by a medical sistant working alone. Which of the following actions must be taken?

a) Lift the patient alone
b) Use a gait belt and ask for help
c) Slide the patient onto the bed quickly
d) Leave the patient in the sitting position

Answer 1

In healthcare settings, the safety of both patients and healthcare providers is paramount.Thus, the correct option is b) Use a gait belt and ask for help.

Step-by-step explanation:

When transferring a patient with limited mobility from a sitting position to a bed, it is crucial to prioritize safety and prevent potential injuries. Option (b) "Use a gait belt and ask for help" is the recommended course of action in this scenario.

Using a gait belt provides additional support and stability during the transfer process, reducing the risk of falls or injuries to the patient and the medical assistant. Asking for help ensures that the transfer is performed with proper assistance, minimizing strain on the medical assistant and promoting a safer patient handling experience.

Attempting to lift the patient alone (option a) can pose a significant risk of injury to both the patient and the medical assistant. Sliding the patient onto the bed quickly (option c) may result in uncontrolled movements and potential harm. Leaving the patient in the sitting position (option d) without proper transfer increases the risk of complications. Therefore, using a gait belt and seeking assistance is the safest and most effective approach for transferring a patient with limited mobility.

Therefore, the correct option is b) Use a gait belt and ask for help.