Question

the nurse is caring for a 76-year-old client who has an unsteady gait. which method is most appropriate to assist in transferring?

mechanical lift
roller sheet
transfer belt
transfer boards

Explanation:

Assess client mobility needs

Using the Gait Belt Indications and Safe Patient Transfer knowledge points

• The client is 76 years old and has an unsteady gait.
• An unsteady gait indicates the client can bear weight but requires physical assistance and stabilization to maintain balance during transfers and ambulation.

Evaluate transfer assistance methods

Using the Safe Patient Transfer knowledge point

• Mechanical lift: Used for completely dependent clients who cannot bear weight.
• Roller sheet: Used for lateral transfers of supine clients between beds or stretchers.
• Transfer belt (gait belt): Used for partially weight-bearing clients who can stand but are unstable or at risk of falling.
• Transfer boards: Used for sliding transfers, typically for clients with strong upper bodies but paralyzed lower extremities (e.g., paraplegic clients).

Determine the most appropriate device

Using the Gait Belt Indications knowledge point

• A transfer belt (gait belt) is the most appropriate tool to secure around the client's waist.
• It allows the nurse to support the client's center of gravity and stabilize their unsteady gait during the transfer.

Answer:

• mechanical lift
• roller sheet
• transfer belt (Correct answer)
• transfer boards