Wheelchair Transfer With Left-Sided Weakness

Safety & Infection Control · Question from the ATI PN Fundamentals 2023 Proctored Exam study set

Correct answer: Assist the client in sitting on the side of the bed

Why this is the answer

Dangling at the bedside first allows the client to adjust to postural changes and orthostatic effects and to establish balance before standing and transferring, which reduces fall risk.

The bigger concept

Safe transfers for a client with one-sided weakness follow a set order: raise the head of bed, assist to a sitting (dangling) position and pause to check for dizziness, place the wheelchair on the client's stronger side with brakes locked, apply a gait belt, and pivot toward the strong side. Dangling first matters because orthostatic hypotension after lying down is a common cause of falls during transfers.

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