Nursing Care: Transfer and Ambulation Safety

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Questions and Answers

What should you do before raising the lift during a transfer?

Position the sling pad even with the back of the resident's knee (correct)

Open the legs of the lift for a wide base of support

Ask the resident to place their arms across their chest

Secure the resident in the straps or slings

Why should residents wear skid-proof shoes when using ambulation devices?

To improve balance and stability

To prevent falls due to slippery floors (correct)

To make it easier to walk with a walker

To reduce the risk of getting tired

What is the correct way to use a walker?

Hold the walker with both hands and take large steps

Stand still, place the walker forward with all four legs solidly on the floor, and step forward (correct)

Stand still, place the walker behind you, and step backward

Use the walker only for balance, not for support

When using crutches, what should be the correct position of the elbows?

Slightly flexed and bent Signup and view all the answers

Why should you use a transfer (gait) belt when assisting a resident to walk?

To reduce the risk of falls Signup and view all the answers

When assisting a visually impaired resident to walk, what should you do?

Walk slightly ahead and allow the resident to hold your arm Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before helping a resident to stand up from a chair?

Move slowly to avoid dizziness and observe for signs of dizziness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using lifts in a healthcare facility?

To assist in transferring residents who cannot assist themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct placement of a cane for a resident with a weak side?

On the strong or unaffected side Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after positioning the sling pad during a transfer?

Secure the resident in the straps or slings Signup and view all the answers

When moving a wheelchair down a steep ramp, what should you do?

Take the wheelchair down backwards Signup and view all the answers

Why should you use a quad cane for some residents?

It provides more stability and support for certain conditions Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to check the weight limit of a lift?

To ensure the lift can handle the resident's weight Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using blankets and tubing on a wheelchair?

To keep blankets and tubing away from the wheels Signup and view all the answers

When should you push a wheelchair from behind?

Except when going in and out of elevators Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when moving a wheelchair around a corner?

Slow down and look before moving the wheelchair Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have at least two staff members present when operating a lift?

To ensure the safety of the staff and resident Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before operating a lift?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What type of lift is used to assist residents who need help standing up?

Assist to stand lift Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use a wheelchair that has been designated as appropriate for the resident?

To ensure the wheelchair is compatible with the resident's needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of checking the brakes on a wheelchair?

To ensure the brakes are locked and unlocked properly Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before pushing or repositioning a wheelchair?

Make sure the resident's feet are on the footplates Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of swinging the front rigging out of the way during transfers?

To clear the path for safe transfers Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not let the resident stand on the footplates?

Because it may cause the resident to lose balance Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when lifting a resident from a wheelchair?

Remove the armrests (if removable) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using lifts in a healthcare setting?

To assist with mobility-impaired residents Signup and view all the answers

What should you check before transporting a resident in a wheelchair?

The wheelchair's brakes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using walkers in a healthcare setting?

To facilitate ambulation Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not push a wheelchair backward?

Because it may cause the wheelchair to tip over Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before collapsing a wheelchair?

Verify the wheel spokes are intact Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mobility and Ambulation Techniques

Lock all brakes after positioning the lift (if applicable)
Secure the resident in straps or slings and ask them to place their arms across their chest
Raise the lift slowly and open the legs of the lift before transferring the resident

Ambulation Devices: Safety Concerns

Devices used for walking should have skid-proof tips
Residents should wear skid-proof shoes
Follow the plan of care to determine which device the resident uses
Use the resident's personal walker, cane, or crutches

Safety Devices: Walker

Stand still, place the walker forward with all four legs solidly on the floor, and step forward
Many types of walkers are available for different needs
Practice: walking, sitting down and standing up from a chair, assisting another to walk with a walker, and adjusting the height of a walker

Safety Devices: Crutches

Crutches should have some space between the top of the crutch and axilla
The elbows should be flexed slightly, and the weight should be supported on the palms of the hands
Practice: walking with crutches and adjusting crutches to fit

Safety Devices: Canes

Many types of canes are available
Quad cane may be more stable for some conditions
Cane should be placed on the strong or unaffected side
Practice: walking, adjusting cane, and using cane in and out of a chair

Safety Techniques

Resident should wear skid-proof shoes
Move slowly when assisting a resident to change position to avoid dizziness
Assist on the resident's weak side
Have resident use their strong side for holding handrails or cane

Safety Techniques (continued)

When assisting a visually impaired resident, walk slightly ahead and allow them to hold your arm
Explain hazards in the path as necessary
Use a transfer (gait) belt for safety

Wheelchair Safety

Identify parts of wheelchair: footrests, armrests, seat, and brakes
Check the brakes, tires, and wheel spokes before use
Make sure the resident's feet are on the footplates before pushing or repositioning the chair
Lock both brakes before transferring a resident to or from the wheelchair
Remind the resident to keep the brakes locked when not moving the wheelchair

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Description

This quiz covers the safety procedures for transferring patients using lifts and ambulation devices. It outlines the steps to follow when using lifts and the importance of safety features on walking devices.