What is the first step in a chair-to-chair or stand-and-pivot transfer?

What is the first step in a chair-to-chair or stand-and-pivot transfer?

• A. Lock the wheels on the wheelchair
• B. Move the patient forward
• C. Check the patient's weight
• D. Stand and pivot without assistance

Answer: (A)

Locking the wheelchair wheels is the first safety step in a chair-to-chair or stand-and-pivot transfer. When the wheels are locked, the chair stays stationary, providing a stable base as you position the patient and prepare for the move. This prevents the chair from rolling if the patient shifts weight or you apply force during the transfer, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. After the chair is secured, you can proceed with positioning and the transfer itself. The other actions aren’t the initial step: moving the patient forward comes after stabilization, checking weight isn’t an immediate transfer prerequisite, and standing and pivoting without support is unsafe.

Locking the wheelchair wheels is the first safety step in a chair-to-chair or stand-and-pivot transfer. When the wheels are locked, the chair stays stationary, providing a stable base as you position the patient and prepare for the move. This prevents the chair from rolling if the patient shifts weight or you apply force during the transfer, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. After the chair is secured, you can proceed with positioning and the transfer itself. The other actions aren’t the initial step: moving the patient forward comes after stabilization, checking weight isn’t an immediate transfer prerequisite, and standing and pivoting without support is unsafe.