FREE STUDY · 5.2 MIN LESSON
Mobility, Transfers & Fall Prevention
Read the lesson, then use the free narrated cards to check what you remember. Knowledge practice does not replace approved training, supervised practice or a competency assessment. Follow the rules for your role, state and workplace.
When is a gait belt appropriate during walking assistance?
- Use a gait belt only when the assessed mobility plan calls for it and no contraindication is present.
- Grip the belt to steady the person; it is not a device for lifting a dependent person’s full weight.
- Do not pull on the arms.
- Use the required equipment and assistance for the person’s ability.
What makes moving or transferring a resident safer?
- Use the assessed transfer or mobility plan, required staff and appropriate equipment.
- A gait belt assists balance during an appropriate transfer or walking task; it is not a device for lifting a dependent resident.
- Good posture alone does not make a hazardous manual lift safe.
What must be checked before a stand-and-pivot transfer?
- Confirm that the person can participate in the planned transfer and that the assessed method, equipment and staffing are appropriate.
- Position the chair as directed, lock the brakes, move footrests out of the path and use a coordinated cue.
- Do not attempt a manual pivot for someone who cannot safely support the required weight.
What makes mechanical-lift use safer?
- Follow the assessed handling plan and the lift manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use the correct compatible sling and required number of trained staff; inspect attachments before lifting.
- Protect lines and limbs and never leave the person suspended unattended.
- A universal two-person rule does not replace the equipment and care-plan requirements.
How do a cane and a walker move differently?
- For the usual prescribed cane pattern, hold the cane on the stronger side and advance it with the weaker leg, then step with the stronger leg.
- For a walker, advance the walker, step with the weaker leg, then the stronger leg as instructed.
- Follow the therapist’s weight-bearing and device-specific plan.
What are the most important things a nurse aide does to prevent falls?
- Follow the resident's fall-prevention and mobility plan.
- Keep the call device accessible, remove obstacles, use appropriate footwear, and leave the bed in its planned safe position.
- Secure wheelchair or bed brakes for transfers as instructed, and obtain the prescribed help or equipment.
What is the purpose of prescribed adaptive equipment?
- It helps a person carry out activities with their available abilities.
- Support use as taught instead of taking over a task the resident can do.
What is the difference between active and passive range-of-motion exercises, and what is the safety rule?
- In active range of motion, the resident moves the joint; in passive range of motion, a trained caregiver moves it as directed.
- Follow the plan, support the limb and move gently.
- Stop for pain or resistance and report the problem; never force a joint beyond its comfortable range.
Why should skin under a prosthesis be checked?
- Daily inspection can reveal redness, irritation or skin damage.
- Follow the prescribed skin-care routine and report problems rather than ignoring them.
What should be checked with prescribed sequential compression sleeves?
- Intermittent pneumatic compression sleeves inflate and deflate to support venous blood flow.
- Follow the fitted-device and skin-check plan.
- Report sleeves that are not cycling, fit too tightly or loosely, or cause new pain, numbness or tingling.
- Do not independently change the prescribed regimen.
How should prescribed compression stockings fit?
- Use the prescribed size and application method.
- Smooth out wrinkles and avoid bunching or rolling the top, which can create tight bands.
- Inspect the skin as directed and report pain, color changes or injury.
- Do not choose compression strength independently.
What makes equipment-assisted patient transport safer?
- Use the assessed transport method and required assistance.
- Secure associated equipment, such as oxygen or IV poles, to the transport device as designed or have another caregiver move it.
- Do not push one-handed while dragging separate equipment.
- Apply brakes for the transfer and follow the device instructions.
Which changes under a splint need attention?
- Follow the prescribed wearing and skin-check schedule.
- Report new soreness, persistent redness, swelling, numbness or increasing pain; a splint that causes skin or circulation problems needs clinical review.
- Do not independently reshape it or change weight-bearing instructions.
What do common body-position names mean?
- Supine means lying on the back; prone means lying face down; lateral means side-lying.
- Fowler’s positions raise the head and upper body.
- Use the specific position, supports and angle in the care plan, protecting alignment, skin and attached equipment.
- A position name alone does not establish what is safe for a particular patient.