What is the use of "Trapeze Device"?

Appeared in: GMCH - 2015

Explanation

A trapeze bar is a handgrip suspended over the bed that allows a patient to use their upper body strength.
Its primary purpose is to help the patient lift their trunk off the bed surface.
This action facilitates repositioning, moving up in bed, and transferring from the bed to a chair.
It is especially useful for patients with lower extremity weakness but sufficient arm strength.

Option A: A trapeze device is for upper body movement, not for positioning the feet.
Option C: The primary device for preventing falls from a bed is the use of side rails.
Option D: A trapeze is a lifting aid for the upper body, not a support for elevating the legs.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Use of assistive devices for patient mobility as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Using a trapeze bar promotes patient autonomy and reduces the physical strain on nurses during repositioning tasks.
Encouraging its use helps prevent complications of immobility, such as pressure injuries and muscle atrophy in the upper body.
What if? If the patient lacks sufficient upper body strength to use a trapeze, the nurse would need to use other aids like a friction-reducing slide sheet or a mechanical full-body lift for safe repositioning and transfers.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Trapeze Device'.
Recall the primary function of this specific piece of medical equipment. It's an overhead bar for the patient to pull on.
Analyze the options provided. Option A relates to foot position, C to fall prevention, and D to leg elevation.
Option B describes a patient lifting their body, which directly matches the function of pulling on an overhead trapeze.
Confirm the correct choice by mentally associating the other options with their correct devices (footboard, side rails, pillows).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 328-330

Practise the full GMCH - 2015

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