A patient with limited mobility is being transferred from bed to wheelchair. Which nursing action best minimizes the risk of injury during transfer?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -2nd)

Explanation

Locking the wheelchair brakes is the most crucial step to ensure the equipment is stable and will not move unexpectedly during the transfer.
An unlocked wheelchair can easily slide or roll backward when the patient begins to sit, leading to a loss of balance and a high risk of falling.
This action creates a secure and predictable environment, which is the foundation of any safe patient transfer.
According to safe patient handling guidelines, all equipment with wheels (beds, stretchers, wheelchairs) must be locked before initiating a transfer.

Option B: Raising the bed to its highest position is dangerous. It increases the distance the patient must travel downwards, working against gravity, and prevents them from placing their feet on the floor for stability.
Option C: The patient is described as having 'limited mobility,' which explicitly means they lack the strength, coordination, or balance to transfer safely without assistance. Allowing an independent transfer would be negligent.
Option D: Rushing a transfer increases the risk of mistakes, poor body mechanics, and loss of balance for both the patient and the nurse. Transfers should be performed in a smooth, controlled, and unhurried manner.

Visual 1: Diagram: A step-by-step illustration of a safe one-person assisted transfer from bed to wheelchair. The visual should clearly show the wheelchair positioned at a 45-degree angle with brakes locked, the bed lowered with the patient's feet on the floor, and the nurse using proper body mechanics with a gait belt.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Safe patient transfer techniques and fall prevention to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Preventing falls during transfers is a core patient safety competency and a major focus of hospital quality metrics. A fall can lead to serious injury, increased length of stay, and significant morbidity.
Failure to follow basic safety protocols like locking brakes can be considered negligence and may have legal and professional consequences for the nurse.
Always perform a mobility assessment before any transfer to determine the correct technique and number of staff required. This is a critical thinking skill essential for nursing practice.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the goal of the question: to find the action that 'best minimizes the risk of injury' during a transfer.
Next, note the key patient characteristic: 'limited mobility'. This immediately tells you the patient requires assistance and is at risk for falls.
Analyze each option based on the principles of safety and stability. Ask yourself, 'Does this action make the situation more stable or less stable?'
Option A (locking brakes) directly increases stability by preventing equipment movement.
Options B (raising bed), C (independent transfer), and D (moving quickly) all introduce instability, risk, or ignore the patient's known limitations.
Conclude that creating a stable, unmoving base by locking the brakes is the most fundamental and effective safety measure.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Safe patient transfer techniques and fall prevention.
Stem keywords: limited mobility, transfer, bed to wheelchair, risk of injury
Lead-in keywords: best minimizes
Clinical cues: Patient has 'limited mobility', indicating a need for assistance and specific safety precautions.

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -2nd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.