How can CNAs help prevent fractures and promote safe mobility in residents?

How can CNAs help prevent fractures and promote safe mobility in residents?

• A. Move residents independently without assistive devices
• B. Avoid mobility to prevent injury
• C. Use proper transfers, assistive devices, follow mobility plans, and report pain or new limitations
• D. Allow residents to bear weight beyond capability

Answer: (C)

Safe mobility and fracture prevention rely on proper technique, the right equipment, and ongoing communication. CNAs help by performing transfers with correct body mechanics and using assistive devices as prescribed, following the resident’s mobility plan, and reporting pain or new limitations right away. Using a gait belt, slide sheets, and any advised devices, and ensuring they are properly fitted and in good condition, minimizes stress on the spine and joints and reduces the risk of falls during moving, turning, and transferring. Keeping the resident aligned, avoiding twisting or bending in awkward ways, and ensuring brakes are on and the environment is safe all contribute to safer movement. If the resident reports pain, feels dizzy, or shows new limitations, stop the activity and notify the nurse so the plan can be adjusted. Choosing to move residents independently without assistive devices increases fall and fracture risk. Avoiding mobility entirely leads to deconditioning and other complications. Letting a resident bear weight beyond what they can safely handle directly raises the chance of fractures.

Safe mobility and fracture prevention rely on proper technique, the right equipment, and ongoing communication. CNAs help by performing transfers with correct body mechanics and using assistive devices as prescribed, following the resident’s mobility plan, and reporting pain or new limitations right away. Using a gait belt, slide sheets, and any advised devices, and ensuring they are properly fitted and in good condition, minimizes stress on the spine and joints and reduces the risk of falls during moving, turning, and transferring. Keeping the resident aligned, avoiding twisting or bending in awkward ways, and ensuring brakes are on and the environment is safe all contribute to safer movement. If the resident reports pain, feels dizzy, or shows new limitations, stop the activity and notify the nurse so the plan can be adjusted.

Choosing to move residents independently without assistive devices increases fall and fracture risk. Avoiding mobility entirely leads to deconditioning and other complications. Letting a resident bear weight beyond what they can safely handle directly raises the chance of fractures.