HHA Mobility and Transfer Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before using a Hoyer (mechanical) lift to transfer a patient, what is the FIRST thing the HHA must check?
- That the sling weight limit exceeds the patient's weight (Correct answer)
- That the lift battery or hydraulic pump is functional
- That the patient's physician has ordered the lift
- That another staff member is present to supervise
Correct answer: That the sling weight limit exceeds the patient's weight
The sling must be rated for at least the patient's body weight to prevent equipment failure and injury.
Question 2: When two HHAs perform a transfer from bed to wheelchair, who should give the verbal count and cues?
- The HHA closest to the patient's head
- One designated HHA to keep movements synchronized (Correct answer)
- Both HHAs simultaneously to ensure clarity
- The patient, so they control the pace
Correct answer: One designated HHA to keep movements synchronized
One designated HHA calls the count to synchronize movement and prevent injury from mistimed effort.
Question 3: When repositioning a patient in bed using a draw sheet, the HHA should:
- Drag the sheet quickly to minimize friction on the patient
- Roll the sheet close to the patient's body before lifting (Correct answer)
- Lift the patient with the sheet from one side only
- Fold the sheet over the patient before pulling
Correct answer: Roll the sheet close to the patient's body before lifting
Rolling the draw sheet close to the patient's body provides a firm grip and reduces friction injuries to the skin.
Question 4: During a pivot transfer from wheelchair to bed, the patient's feet should be:
- Crossed at the ankles to reduce the pivot area
- Flat on the floor and hip-width apart (Correct answer)
- Elevated slightly on the footrests during the pivot
- Placed together with knees touching
Correct answer: Flat on the floor and hip-width apart
Feet flat on the floor hip-width apart provides a stable base of support during the pivot transfer.
Question 5: A patient has left-sided weakness after a stroke. When transferring from wheelchair to bed, the wheelchair should be positioned:
- On the patient's left (weak) side at a 45-degree angle
- Directly in front of the bed
- On the patient's right (strong) side at a 45-degree angle (Correct answer)
- At a 90-degree angle to the bed on either side
Correct answer: On the patient's right (strong) side at a 45-degree angle
Positioning the wheelchair on the strong side allows the patient to lead the transfer with their stronger limb.
Question 6: When a mechanical sling is placed under a patient before a Hoyer lift transfer, the top edge of the sling should be:
- Centered at the patient's waist
- At the patient's neck or upper shoulder level (Correct answer)
- At the middle of the patient's back
- Below the patient's knees
Correct answer: At the patient's neck or upper shoulder level
The sling's top edge at the neck or upper shoulder supports the head and prevents the patient from slipping through.
Question 7: After transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair using a mechanical lift, the HHA should FIRST:
- Remove the sling to increase comfort
- Lock the wheelchair and ensure the patient is seated safely (Correct answer)
- Document the transfer in the care record
- Raise the patient's footrests before lowering them
Correct answer: Lock the wheelchair and ensure the patient is seated safely
Locking the wheelchair and confirming the patient is securely seated prevents falls immediately after transfer.
HHA Mobility and Transfer Techniques 2
Before using a Hoyer (mechanical) lift to transfer a patient, what is the FIRST thing the HHA must check?