Before transferring a resident from bed to wheelchair, what is a key safety check for the wheelchair?

Before transferring a resident from bed to wheelchair, what is a key safety check for the wheelchair?

• A. Footrests must be on
• B. Lock the wheelchair
• C. Wheelchair is on an incline
• D. The resident's chair is away

Answer: (B)

Engaging the wheelchair brakes is the essential safety step before a transfer. When the brakes are locked, the chair won’t roll, giving you a stable, predictable base to move the resident and maintain proper body mechanics. That stability reduces the risk of falls or slips during the transfer. Other details aren’t as crucial in this moment: footrests being on can actually get in the way if you need to swing them away, an incline or uneven surface increases tipping risk, and whether the resident’s chair is “away” doesn’t affect the wheelchair’s safety at the transfer start.

Engaging the wheelchair brakes is the essential safety step before a transfer. When the brakes are locked, the chair won’t roll, giving you a stable, predictable base to move the resident and maintain proper body mechanics. That stability reduces the risk of falls or slips during the transfer. Other details aren’t as crucial in this moment: footrests being on can actually get in the way if you need to swing them away, an incline or uneven surface increases tipping risk, and whether the resident’s chair is “away” doesn’t affect the wheelchair’s safety at the transfer start.