Mobility and Transfer Techniques Flashcards

How frequently should a bedridden patient unable to reposition themselves be turned to prevent pressure ulcers?

Answer: At least every 2 hours around the clock

Turning every 2 hours relieves sustained pressure that would otherwise occlude capillaries and cause skin breakdown.

To reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia during feeding, a patient should be positioned at a minimum of:

Answer: 45 degrees (semi-Fowler's) or higher

At least 45 degrees head elevation uses gravity to keep food in the stomach rather than refluxing into the airway.

When placing a patient in a side-lying (lateral) position, what should be placed between the knees?

Answer: A pillow to prevent skin-on-skin pressure and hip adduction

A pillow between the knees prevents bony prominences from pressing against each other and reduces hip adduction stress.

Semi-Fowler's position (30–45 degree head elevation) is MOST commonly used to:

Answer: Improve respiratory effort and reduce aspiration risk

Elevating the head of the bed opens the diaphragm and uses gravity to keep secretions and stomach contents away from the airway.

What is the primary purpose of a trochanter roll placed against a patient's hip in bed?

Answer: To prevent hip abduction and external rotation

A trochanter roll prevents external rotation of the hip, which can cause contractures and hip pain in immobile patients.

Logrolling a patient is used primarily to:

Answer: Move the patient as a single unit to protect spinal alignment

Logrolling keeps the spine in alignment during turning, which is critical for patients with known or suspected spinal injury.

A patient develops a contracture of the right elbow, keeping it flexed. To slow progression, the HHA should:

Answer: Perform passive range-of-motion exercises as directed by the care plan

Passive ROM exercises maintain joint mobility and slow contracture progression as specified in the patient's individualized care plan.