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Follow these steps to move a patient from bed to a wheelchair. The technique below assumes the patient can stand on at least one leg.
If the patient cannot use his or her leg, you will need to use a lift to transfer the patient.
Alternate NamesPivot turn; Transfer bed to wheelchair
PreparationThink through the steps before you act and get help if you need it. If you are not able to support the patient by yourself, you could injure yourself and the patient.
Make sure any loose rugs are out of the way to prevent slipping. You may want to put non-skid socks or shoes on the patient's feet if the patient needs to step onto a slippery surface.
- Explain the steps to the patient.
- Place the wheelchair on the same side as the patient's good leg.
- Park the wheelchair next to the bed, close to you.
- Put the brakes on and move the footrests out of the way.
Before transferring into the wheelchair, the patient must be sitting.
- To get the patient into a seated position, roll the patient onto the same side as the wheelchair.
- Allow the patient to sit for a few moments, in case the patient feels dizzy when first sitting up.
- Put one of your arms under the patient's shoulders and one behind their knees. Bend your knees.
- Swing their feet off the edge of the bed and use the momentum to help the patient into a sitting position.
- Move the patient to the edge of the bed and lower the bed so that their feet are touching the ground.
If you have a gait belt, place it on the patient to help you get a grip during the transfer. During the turn, the patient can either hold onto you or reach for the wheelchair.
- Stand as close as you can to the patient, reach around their chest, and lock your hands behind the patient or grab the gait belt.
- Place the patient's outside leg (the one farthest from the wheelchair) between your knees for support. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
- Count to three and slowly stand up. Use your legs to lift.
- At the same time, the patient should place their hands by their sides and help push off the bed.
- The patient should help support their weight on their good leg during the transfer.
- Pivot towards the wheelchair, moving your feet so your back is aligned with your hips.
- Once the patient's legs are touching the seat of the wheelchair, bend your knees to lower the patient into the seat. At the same time, ask the patient to reach for the wheelchair armrest.
If the patient starts to fall during the transfer, lower them down to the nearest flat surface, bed, chair or floor.
ReferencesBody mechanics and transfer techniques. In: Mills JE, ed. Nursing Practices. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 01/31/2012
Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What else can I help you with?
How is the patient brought to the operating room?
The patient is brought to the operating room on a wheelchair or bed with wheels
When moving a patient from bed to wheelchair which technique should you avoid at all times?
When moving a patient from bed to wheelchair, you should avoid lifting the patient directly without proper support. This technique can increase the risk of injury to both the patient and the caregiver due to strain and lack of stability. Instead, utilize proper transfer techniques, such as using a transfer belt, pivoting, or utilizing assistive devices to ensure safety and support. Always assess the patient's mobility and provide clear instructions to facilitate a smooth transfer.
How to correctly transfer patient from bed to wheelchair?
Assuming the person can use their arms. Sit on the edge of the bed, makes sure the brakes ar locked, push down with your arms lifting your butt into the air (even if just relieving pressure) , with arms and turning of the body move butt over to the chair, relax arms. A bridge of some sort may be used, such as a board.
Do you have the patient lock their knees in a bed to wheelchair transfer?
No, patients should not lock their knees during a bed to wheelchair transfer. Locking the knees can lead to instability and increase the risk of falls. Instead, it's important to encourage the patient to bend their knees slightly and use proper body mechanics to facilitate a safe and effective transfer. Always ensure that the wheelchair is positioned correctly and that the patient has assistance if needed.
Which tool should be used when transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair?
It depends on what degree of help you need! If a patient is able to assist themselves even partially, pivot to a wheelchair. If a patient uses a sliding transfer board, assist the pt to use it. If a patient is too heavy or too ill for a 1 person lift or cannot assist, use a Hoyer lift.
Do you lower the cot sides of bed when moving patient?
yes otherwise the patient will have a pole hitting their back when they are transfered onto another bed, who would want a pole digging into their back?!?!?!
When assisting a patient in moving to the head of the bed you should first?
When assisting a patient in moving to the head of the bed, you should first ensure their safety and comfort by explaining the process to them. Make sure the bed is at a comfortable height for you to work at and lower the side rails if necessary. Then, position yourself at the patient's side, using proper body mechanics, and utilize a draw sheet or ask for assistance if the patient is unable to help. Finally, gently slide or lift the patient toward the head of the bed while supporting their body appropriately.
When moving patient from chair to bed which technique should you avoid at all times?
When moving a patient from a chair to a bed, you should avoid any techniques that involve twisting or jerking movements, as they can cause injury to both the patient and the caregiver. Instead, use a pivot technique or a transfer belt to ensure stability and support. Always ensure the patient is engaged and aware of the transfer to promote safety and comfort.
What is transferring in medical terms?
It often means getting from one spot to another. For instance, getting from bed to chair, bed to gurney, wheelchair to toilet, wheelchair to driver's seat.
Where can you donate wheelchair and hospital bed?
how and where can i donate a hospital bed in nyc. I need it picked up
What bed would be best for my son/daughter who uses a wheelchair?
A Full Electric Hospital Bed would be ideal.
What is the definition of 'patient bed days'?
A bed-day is a day during which a person is confined to a bed and in which the patient stays overnight in a hospital
