Question

the nurse is assisting a client from the bed into a wheelchair. what is a recommended guideline for this procedure?

make sure the bed brakes are unlocked.
raise the head of the bed to a sitting position.
place the bed in the highest position.
put the chair at the foot of the bed.

Explanation:

Analyze the transfer procedure

Using the Patient Ambulation Safety knowledge point, we evaluate the safety requirements for assisting a client from a bed to a wheelchair. The primary goal is to prevent falls, minimize physical strain on both the client and the nurse, and maintain stability throughout the transfer.

Evaluate the options

• "Make sure the bed brakes are unlocked.": This is incorrect and highly unsafe. Both the bed brakes and the wheelchair brakes must be securely locked to prevent the equipment from moving during the transfer.
• "Raise the head of the bed to a sitting position.": Using the Fowlers Position knowledge point, raising the head of the bed to a high Fowler's or sitting position helps the client move to the edge of the bed, reduces orthostatic hypotension risk, and prepares them to dangle their legs before standing. This is a recommended guideline.
• "Place the bed in the highest position.": This is incorrect. The bed should be placed in its lowest position so that the client's feet can flatly touch the floor when sitting on the edge of the bed, ensuring stability.
• "Put the chair at the foot of the bed.": This is incorrect. The wheelchair should be placed parallel to or at a 45-degree angle to the bed, facing the foot of the bed on the client's stronger side, not directly at the foot of the bed.

Select the correct guideline

Raising the head of the bed to a sitting position is the correct preparatory step to facilitate a safe and controlled transfer.

Answer:

• (A) Make sure the bed brakes are unlocked.
• (B) Raise the head of the bed to a sitting position. (Correct answer)
• (C) Place the bed in the highest position.
• (D) Put the chair at the foot of the bed.