A nurse is planning to transfer a client who weighs 136 kg (300 lb) from a bed to a chair. The client is unable to assist in the transfer. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Use a powered lift to transfer the client: When a client is unable to assist and weighs significantly over standard lifting limits, a powered mechanical lift is the safest and most appropriate method. It reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injury to staff and ensures safe, controlled client movement. B. Wrap their arms under the client's axilla to transfer the client: This manual lifting method can cause harm to both the nurse and the client. It increases the risk of shoulder injury for the client and back strain for the nurse, especially when the client is immobile and heavy. C. Use a gait belt to transfer the client: Gait belts are used for clients who can bear some weight and assist in the transfer. Since this client cannot assist, a gait belt is insufficient and may result in injury or unsafe movement. D. Use a sliding board to transfer the client: Sliding boards are typically used when clients have upper body strength and can assist in shifting their weight. For a fully dependent client of this size, it is not a safe or effective method without mechanical assistance.