Chapter 8: Patient Transfer Flashcards
What is the only metho to ensure patient safety when transferring patients from one place to another in the hospital?
wheeled transport
What are wheelchairs used for?
those who cant sit upright
Ware stretchers for?
those too weak to sit
What may small children be transported in?
cribs
What may infants me transported in?
incubators
The following are examples of what:
check with nursing service
check patient identification
plan what you are going to do and prepare your work area
obtain equipment and check it for safety and function
enlist the patients help and cooperation (communicate with the patient what you are doing)
obtain additional help when necessary (communicate role of assistants in the transfer plan)
Preparation for transfer
Bed to wheelchair transfer
lower the bed to wheelchair level, and elevate the head of the bed
position the wheelchair parallel to the bed with wheels locked and footrests out of the way
With patient in the supine position, place one arm under the patient’s shoulders and one under the knees, and in a single smooth motion raise and turn the patient to a sitting position with their feet dangling over the side
At this point competent patients are able to stand and move to the wheelchair with little assitance
If a patient has back pain, what might make it easier for them to sit up?
sitting up from a lateral recumbent position
What should you use when transferring a weak unsteady patient from bed to wheelchair?
a gait or transfer belt
instructions for gait / transfer belt
grasp the belt or reach around the patient and place your hands firmly over the scapulae; the patient’s hands may rest on your shoulders
on your signal lift upward to help the patient stand
use a broad base of support and keep your back straight
now instruct and assist the patient to pivot a quarter turn so that the edge of the wheelchair is touching the back of the patient’s knees then ease the patient into a sitting position in the chair
position the footrests and leg rest and cover the patients lap and legs with a sheet or bath blanket to provide warmth and comfort and to protect the patients modesty
When do falls usually occur in bed to wheelchair transfers?
when the patient sits in the wheelchair. they may miss the edge of the seat or tip the chair by sitting too near the edge.
avoid this by locking the wheels and assist the patient until seated securely
How do you transfer a patient from the wheelchair to an adjustable height x-ray table?
place the wheelchair parallel to the table, lock the brakes and move the footrests out of the way
lower the height of the table to chair height
help the patient stand and pivot with the patients back to the table then ease the patient into a sitting position on the edge of the table
after the patient is seated, you may raise the table if needed. place one arm around the patient’s shoulders and one under the knees. with a single smooth motion, place the patient’s legs on the table while lowering the head and shoulders into the supine position
How do you transfer a patient from the wheelchair to a stationary x-ray table
place step stool with a tall handle nearby
have the patient place on hand on the stool handle, put the other arm on your shoulder, and step up onto the stool pivoting with the back to the table
ease the patient into a sitting position
What are hydraulic lift transfers used for?
patients who cannot stand safely. do not use hydraulic lifts until proper instruction and training are obtained
what are some precautions for patients with hip replacements (surgery via the anterior approach)
they can sit up right
weight bearing is usually tolerated (check chart)
avoid abduction
avoid adduction
avoid internal or external rotation
avoid hyperextension
