You are transporting a resident in her wheelchair. Her feet drag on the floor because she is unable to keep them lifted while you re moving. You should

You are transporting a resident in her wheelchair. Her feet drag on the floor because she is unable to keep them lifted while you re moving. You should

• A. Place a cushion under her buttocks to keep her feet from touching the floor
• B. Place leg rests on the wheelchair if indicated in the care plan
• C. Have a coworker hold her legs up while you transport the resident
• D. Pull the wheelchair backward so her feet do not get hurt

Answer: (B)

Using leg rests to support the resident’s feet is the safest and most appropriate step when their feet cannot be kept lifted. If the care plan calls for leg rests, place them so the feet rest comfortably on the footplates and are kept off the floor. This prevents feet from dragging, reduces the risk of injury or clothing damage, and keeps the wheelchair stable during transport. Before moving, ensure the brakes are on and the leg rests are properly positioned and secured. The other options don’t address keeping the feet safely supported: a cushion under the buttocks doesn’t stop feet from touching the floor; having a coworker hold the legs isn’t a safe or reliable method; pulling the wheelchair backward can cause tipping or loss of control.

Using leg rests to support the resident’s feet is the safest and most appropriate step when their feet cannot be kept lifted. If the care plan calls for leg rests, place them so the feet rest comfortably on the footplates and are kept off the floor. This prevents feet from dragging, reduces the risk of injury or clothing damage, and keeps the wheelchair stable during transport. Before moving, ensure the brakes are on and the leg rests are properly positioned and secured.

The other options don’t address keeping the feet safely supported: a cushion under the buttocks doesn’t stop feet from touching the floor; having a coworker hold the legs isn’t a safe or reliable method; pulling the wheelchair backward can cause tipping or loss of control.