PCA Patient Mobility & Transfers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using a gait belt to assist a patient who begins to fall during ambulation, the PCA should:
- Release the belt to avoid injury to yourself
- Grab the patient's arm tightly and pull upward
- Guide the patient to the floor in a controlled manner (Correct answer)
- Call for help and wait before doing anything
Correct answer: Guide the patient to the floor in a controlled manner
If a patient starts to fall, the PCA should use the gait belt to guide them gently to the floor rather than trying to stop the fall, which could injure both the patient and the caregiver.
Question 2: A transfer board (sliding board) is MOST appropriate for which type of patient?
- A patient who is completely non-weight-bearing and can assist with upper body strength (Correct answer)
- A patient who can bear full weight on both legs
- A patient who is combative and uncooperative
- A patient who weighs over 300 lbs without upper body strength
Correct answer: A patient who is completely non-weight-bearing and can assist with upper body strength
Sliding/transfer boards are designed for patients who cannot bear weight on their legs but have enough upper body strength to assist with the lateral transfer.
Question 3: During a standing pivot transfer from bed to wheelchair, where should the wheelchair be positioned?
- Directly in front of the patient at a 90-degree angle
- At a 30- to 45-degree angle to the bed, on the patient's stronger side (Correct answer)
- Behind the patient so they can back into it
- At least 3 feet away to give the patient room to stand
Correct answer: At a 30- to 45-degree angle to the bed, on the patient's stronger side
Placing the wheelchair at a 30–45 degree angle to the bed on the patient's stronger side minimizes the pivot distance and leverages their stronger limb.
Question 4: Before operating a mechanical (Hoyer) lift, the PCA must first:
- Attach the sling after the patient is in the air
- Verify the sling is the correct size and properly positioned under the patient (Correct answer)
- Remove all pillows and positioning aids from the bed
- Lock only the front wheels of the lift
Correct answer: Verify the sling is the correct size and properly positioned under the patient
The correct sling size and proper placement under the patient before lifting are essential safety steps to prevent the patient from slipping or being injured.
Question 5: A patient reports feeling dizzy when sitting up on the edge of the bed before a transfer. The PCA should:
- Proceed quickly with the transfer before the dizziness worsens
- Have the patient lie back down and notify the nurse or supervisor (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to take deep breaths and stand up anyway
- Apply the gait belt and begin the transfer slowly
Correct answer: Have the patient lie back down and notify the nurse or supervisor
Dizziness before a transfer is a safety concern that must be reported; proceeding risks a fall, and the nurse must assess for orthostatic hypotension or other causes.
Question 6: Which action best demonstrates proper body mechanics for a PCA during a transfer?
- Twisting the torso while lifting to face the destination
- Keeping feet together and bending at the waist
- Widening the base of support and bending at the knees (Correct answer)
- Holding the patient as far from your body as possible
Correct answer: Widening the base of support and bending at the knees
A wide stance and bending at the knees keeps the PCA's center of gravity low and protects the lower back from injury.
Question 7: When transferring a patient with left-sided weakness from a wheelchair to the toilet, the PCA should approach:
- From the patient's left (weak) side so the patient pivots away from weakness
- From the patient's right (strong) side so they can push off with their stronger leg (Correct answer)
- From directly behind the patient to support both sides equally
- From whichever side has more space in the bathroom
Correct answer: From the patient's right (strong) side so they can push off with their stronger leg
Approaching from the stronger side allows the patient to use their stronger leg to bear weight and push off, making the transfer safer.
PCA Patient Mobility & Transfers 2
When using a gait belt to assist a patient who begins to fall during ambulation, the PCA should: