Editing Fundamentals of Nursing – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 3==
The licensed practical nurse is assisting a patient with right sided weakness to transfer from the bed to a wheelchair. Which action is correct?
# Position the wheelchair on the patient's right side and lock the wheels.
# Position the wheelchair on the patient's left side at a slight angle and lock the wheels.
# Have the patient stand quickly to avoid fatigue.
# Grasp the patient under the arms to lift.

'''Answer:''' 2. Position the wheelchair on the patient's left side at a slight angle and lock the wheels.

''Rationale:'' The patient should move toward the stronger side, which in right sided weakness is the left, so the chair is placed on the left at a slight angle to shorten the pivot. Locking the wheels prevents the chair from rolling away. Option 1 forces the transfer toward the weak side. Option 3 risks orthostatic hypotension; the patient should dangle at the bedside first and rise slowly. Option 4 risks shoulder injury and brachial plexus damage; a gait belt around the waist is the correct handhold.