Chapter 3. Safe Patient Handling, Positioning, and Transfers Show
Transfers are defined as moving a patient from one flat surface to another, such as from a bed to a stretcher (Perry et al., 2014). Types of hospital transfers include bed to stretcher, bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to chair, and wheelchair to toilet, and vice versa. Patient Transfer from Bed to StretcherA bed to stretcher transfer requires a minimum of three to four people, depending on the size of the patient and the size and strength of the health care providers. Patients who require this type of transfer are generally immobile or acutely ill and may be unable to assist with the transfer. Checklist 29 shows the steps for moving patients laterally from one surface to another. Checklist 29: Moving a Patient from Bed to Stretcher
Take this Lateral Transfer Sliding Board course for more information on sliding board transfer. Transfer from Bed to WheelchairPatients often need assistance when moving from a bed to a wheelchair. A patient must be cooperative and predictable, able to bear weight on both legs and take small steps. If any of these criteria are not met, a two-person transfer or mechanical lift is recommended. Always complete a patient risk assessment prior to all patient-handling activities. See Checklist 30 for the steps to transfer a patient from the bed to the wheelchair (PHSA, 2010). Checklist 30: Bed to Wheelchair Transfer
Special considerations:
Video 3.6Take this Standing Step Around Transfer course to learn the method for a bed to wheelchair transfer.
When lifting and moving a patient up in bed a lift sheet may be used where is the best place for a lift sheet under the patient?The 2 people moving the patient should stand on opposite sides of the bed. To pull the person up both people should: Grab the slide sheet or draw sheet at the patient's upper back and hips on the side of the bed closest to you.
What should be done when moving the patient up in bed?Put one foot forward as you prepare to move the patient. Put your weight on your back leg. On the count of three, move the patient by shifting your weight to your front leg and pulling the sheet toward the head of the bed. You may need to do this more than once to get the person in the right position.
When transferring a patient from a bed to a chair the nurse should use which muscle to avoid back injury?Hold a strong abdominal contraction. Position your body close to your loved one to decrease strain on your back. Before movement, contract your abdominal muscles to protect your back. Use your knees and your lower body during transfer to decrease strain on your back.
When transferring a client from bed to their bedside chair the nurse on duty should use which muscles to avoid back straining and injury?Tighten your gluteal and abdominal muscles, bend your knees, and keep back straight and neutral. Place one foot in front of the other. The weight will shift from the front foot to the back during the move. Use of proper body mechanics helps prevent injury when handling patients.
Which of these is the correct position for the nurse to adopt when lifting a patient?Bend and lift with the knees, not at the waist. Bending at the waist puts unnecessary stress on your lower spine. Avoid twisting your body, especially while bending, for the same reasons as above. Hold the patient close to your body while lifting and transferring them.
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