A nurse is assisting a patient who has hemiparesis after a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).  The nurse assists the patient with a safe transfer from sitting on the bed to the wheelchair by implementing which of the following?

Explanation

• Blocking/supporting the patient's unaffected/strong knee if it buckles while supporting his or her full weight helps maintain stability during transfer.

• When there is a weak lower extremity, the chair is placed beside the patient's strong/unaffected side to allow the patient to use his or her unaffected leg effectively. The nurse should stand on on the weaker side to help.

• The nurse should stand on the patient’s affected/weaker side to hold or support the affected limb.

• Placing a pillow under the affected arm and shoulder after getting into the wheelchair provides additional support and comfort, but this is not a step necessary during the transfer of the patient, and may make things awkward and unsafe.

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