Transferring and Positioning

Question 1

Transferring from bed to wheelchair via transfer belt

Answer 1

1. Assist patient to side of bed and turn patient towards you
2. Wide base of support created by spreading feet apart
3. Slip arm closest to head of bed under patient’s shoulders; other arm over patient’s thighs
4. Move patient’s lower legs and feet over side of bed
5. Shift weight to back leg and help patient sit up and then move to edge of bed
6. Let sit legs dangling for a few min before transferring to wheelchair
7. Put on non skid footwear for patient, place stronger foot forward
8. Place transfer belt over waist, tag should touch pt gown; should be tight enough to only allow 2 fingers to slide
9. Keep your knees aligned w pt and rock pt to standing position; allow pt to push off mattress unless contraindicated
10. If needed, maintain stability of pt’s week leg with your knee
11. Ask pt to feel for wheelchair with edge of legs and use sides for support as you help ease into chair

Question 2

Moving pt in bed

Answer 2

1. Place pt supine and head of bed flat
2. Nurse on each side, adjust bed to height that’s comfortable for both of you
3. Remove pillow from under pt head and place it out of way
4. Have pt place arms across chest
5. Roll pt side to side; done to replace linens in bed

Question 3

Transferring from bed to chair

Answer 3

1. Have chair in position at 45 degree angle with one side against bed, facing foot of bed
2. Be sure patient’s feet are comfortably flat on floor with hip and knee at 90 degree angle, apply nonskid socks/shoes
3. If patient can bear weight, stand by bedside and allow patient to transfer independently; if patient has partial weight bearing and has upper body strength, apply gait belt. Then see other procedure above.