Deck 11: Safe Patient Handling, Transfer, and Positioning

Question 1

An appropriate technique for the nurse to implement when moving a patient out of bed to a chair with a mechanical lift is to:

A)lower the height of the bed.
B)lower the head of the bed.
C)place the sling from shoulders to knees.
D)keep the check valve open when the patient is seated in the chair.

Answer 1

place the sling from shoulders to knees.

Question 2

A nurse should be aware of safety measures to prevent personal injury when lifting or moving patients.An appropriate principle to follow is:

A)bend at the waist for lifting.
B)tighten the stomach muscles and pelvis.
C)keep the weight to be lifted away from the body.
D)carry or hold the weight 1 to 2 feet above the waist.

Answer 2

tighten the stomach muscles and pelvis.

Question 3

The patient is an elderly male with severe kyphosis who is immobile from a stroke several years earlier.He has been admitted for severe dehydration.The nurse must turn the patient frequently to prevent complications of immobility.What does the nurse realize?

A)This patient should be turned onto his back for meals.
B)This patient may have to be turned more frequently than every 2 hours.
C)This patient may be allowed to remain in his favorite position as long as he doesn't complain of discomfort.
D)Skin breakdown is not an issue for this patient.

Answer 3

This patient may have to be turned more frequently than every 2 hours.

Question 4

To assist the patient to a sitting position on the side of the bed,what should the nurse do first?

A)Raise the height of the bed.
B)Raise the head of the bed 30 degrees.
C)Turn the patient onto the side facing away from the nurse.
D)Move the patient's legs over the side of the bed.

Question 5

The nurse realizes that her patient needs to improve his or her mobility as quickly as possible.This is because the nurse realizes that mobilization: (Select all that apply. )

A)improves joint motion.
B)decreases circulation.
C)increases social activity.
D)enhances mental stimulation.

Question 6

The nurse needs to transfer the patient from the bed to the stretcher.The patient is unable to assist.Of the following,which would be the best technique for transferring the patient?

A)Using three nurses and a slide board
B)Using the three-person lift technique
C)Raising the head 30 degrees
D)Having the patient keep arms to the side

Question 7

The most prevalent and debilitating occupational health hazard among nurses is:

A)footdrop.
B)pressure ulcers.
C)musculoskeletal disorders.
D)contractures.

Question 8

Patients at risk for complications and/or injury from improper positioning include patients with which of the following? (Select all that apply. )

A)Poor nutrition
B)Loss of sensation
C)Impaired muscle development
D)Poor circulation

Question 9

To position a patient with hemiplegia in Fowler's position,the nurse should:

A)elevate the head of the bed 15 to 30 degrees.
B)place the patient in the prone position.
C)position a spastic hand with the fingers extended using hand rolls.
D)position the patient's head with slight hyperextension of the neck.

Question 10

When preparing to move a patient in bed,the nurse should:

A)expect that the patient's comfort level will decrease.
B)make sure that all pillows used in the previous position stay in position.
C)raise the bed to a comfortable working height.
D)plan on moving the patient herself because other nurses are busy.

Question 11

A postoperative patient has been instructed by a nurse about the importance of moving in bed but is still avoiding movement.The nurse should:

A)avoid moving the patient until he or she is motivated.
B)have family members move the patient around.
C)decrease the frequency of movement to be performed.
D)medicate the patient with a prescribed analgesic before moving.

Question 12

To transfer the patient who has normal weight bearing and upper body strength out of bed to a chair,what should the nurse do?

A)Grab the patient under the axilla to lift.
B)Have the patient move forward with the weak side.
C)Have the patient put on shoes with nonskid soles.
D)Place the chair in a position 90 degrees opposite the bed.

Question 13

The nurse is preparing to reposition the patient.Which of the following is a principle of safe patient transfer and positioning?

A)The wider the base of support,the greater the stability of the nurse.
B)The higher the center of gravity,the greater the stability of the nurse.
C)Facing in the opposite direction of movement prevents twisting.
D)Using either the arms or the legs reduces the risk for back injury.

Question 14

The patient is an elderly man who has just been admitted for a probable cerebrovascular accident.The patient is nonverbal and does not respond to requests but is able to turn himself in bed.The nurse notices that the patient likes to lie on his right side,and soon after being turned by the nursing staff,the patient turns back to his right side.The nurse in this case should:

A)allow the patient to lie on his right side continuously because he seems comfortable.
B)prevent the patient from lying on his right side until he no longer wishes to lie on that side.
C)frequently assess the patient and turn him more frequently.
D)allow the patient to lie on his right side until a pressure ulcer develops and he can no longer lie on that side.

Question 15

Why does a nurse move a patient who has been confined to bed for a few days slowly from a sitting to a standing position?

A)Fatigue
B)Muscle injury
C)Sensory disorientation
D)Orthostatic hypotension

Question 16

The nurse plans to use a trochanter roll when repositioning a patient.Where should the nurse place the trochanter roll?

A)Under the small of the back
B)Behind the knees when supine
C)Alongside the ilium to mid-thigh
D)In the palm of the hand with fingers flexed

Question 17

The patient is immobile and has been repositioned in bed using a drawsheet.When finished,the patient is in a supported Fowler's position with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees.Also important for positioning this patient is to:

A)support his calves with pillows.
B)place a large pillow behind his head to prevent extension.
C)place a pillow behind his upper back.
D)avoid using pillows if the patient does not have use of the hands and arms.

Question 18

A nurse is reviewing the patient assignment for the day.Of all the patients,which individual has the greatest potential for injury during transfers?

A)Diabetes mellitus
B)Myocardial infarction
C)A cerebrovascular accident
D)An upper extremity fracture

Question 19

An appropriate procedure to use when moving a patient up in bed is for the nurse to:

A)raise the head of the bed.
B)start by flexing the patient's knees and hips.
C)place a pillow under the patient's shoulders.
D)instruct the patient to inhale and hold still.

Question 20

In positioning the patient in the prone position,one way to improve breathing is to:

A)support the arms in a flexed position level at the shoulders.
B)place a pillow under the lower legs.
C)place a small pillow under the patient's abdomen.
D)support the patient's head with a small pillow.

Question 21

Plantar flexion contracture,otherwise known as _____________,is caused when the force of gravity pulls an unsupported,weakened foot into a plantar-flexed position.

Question 22

The term _____________ refers to the conditions of the joints,tendons,ligaments,and muscles in various body positions.

Question 23

The patient is immobile and is being placed in the supine position.To reduce extension of the fingers and abduction of the thumb,the nurse places _________________ in the patient's hands.

Question 24

Proper alignment for a patient in sitting position includes which of the following? (Select all that apply. )

A)Head erect
B)Four-inch space between edge of seat and popliteal space
C)Vertebrae straight
D)Both feet elevated

Question 25

The coordinated effort of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in maintaining balance,posture,and body alignment is known as _______________.

Question 26

Awareness of posture and changes in equilibrium is known as _______________.

Question 27

Which of the following risk factors contribute to complications of immobility? (Select all that apply. )

A)Paralysis
B)Traction
C)Arterial insufficiency
D)Incontinence
E)Constipation

Question 28

The nurse prevents self-injury by using which of the following when transferring a patient? (Select all that apply. )

A)Correct posture
B)Maximal muscle strength
C)Effective body mechanics
D)Effective lifting techniques

Question 29

A nursing skill that helps a weakened or dependent patient or patients with restricted mobility to attain positions to regain optimal independence is known as ________________.

Question 30

Body balance is achieved when a wide _____________ exists.

Question 31

Positioning of patients to maintain correct body alignment is essential to prevent which of the following complications? (Select all that apply. )

A)Thrombus
B)Pressure ulcer
C)Kyphosis
D)Contractures