CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
A nurse aide is transferring a resident from a wheelchair to the bed. What safety step must be completed BEFORE the transfer begins?
- ARaise the wheelchair footrests only after the transfer is complete
- BLock the wheelchair brakes to prevent movement
- CPosition the wheelchair facing away from the bed
- DRemove the resident's shoes to reduce weight
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Lock the wheelchair brakes to prevent movement
Locking the wheelchair brakes before any transfer prevents the chair from rolling and causing the resident to fall, making it an essential safety step prior to moving the resident.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Footrests should be moved out of the way before, not after, the transfer to prevent tripping.
- C. The wheelchair should be positioned close to and facing the bed, not away from it.
- D. Removing shoes is not a required safety step and does not affect transfer stability.
Wheelchair Brake Safety
Locking wheelchair brakes before a transfer is a fundamental safety measure to prevent the chair from moving and causing a fall.
- Always lock brakes before transfer
- Move footrests out of the way first
- Position wheelchair close to the bed
Memory trick: Lock it before you rock it - brakes first, transfer next.