Before helping a resident to ambulate in a chair or wheelchair, which safety step should you verify?

Before helping a resident to ambulate in a chair or wheelchair, which safety step should you verify?

• A. Brakes are locked on the chair or wheelchair.
• B. The resident's shoes are tied.
• C. The door is closed.
• D. The nurse is present.

Answer: (A)

Locking the brakes on the chair or wheelchair is essential because it prevents the device from rolling as the resident stands and moves, creating a stable, controlled environment for the transfer and ambulation. That stability is what reduces the risk of falls and injuries during the assist. While tying shoes can help prevent tripping and having a door closed or a nurse present are good safety considerations in general, they do not address the immediate risk of the chair moving. The crucial step to ensure safety during ambulation is immobilizing the chair with locked brakes.

Locking the brakes on the chair or wheelchair is essential because it prevents the device from rolling as the resident stands and moves, creating a stable, controlled environment for the transfer and ambulation. That stability is what reduces the risk of falls and injuries during the assist. While tying shoes can help prevent tripping and having a door closed or a nurse present are good safety considerations in general, they do not address the immediate risk of the chair moving. The crucial step to ensure safety during ambulation is immobilizing the chair with locked brakes.