Which of the following principles is primarily followed when transferring a patient onto a stretcher using a blanket (blanket lift)?

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Explanation

The core principle of a blanket lift is to use a team of caregivers to distribute the patient's weight evenly.
This method significantly reduces the physical strain on any single caregiver, thereby preventing musculoskeletal injuries.
By lifting in unison, the team ensures the patient is moved as a single, stable unit, which enhances safety and comfort.
The blanket or sheet acts as a sling, providing a secure hold and supporting the patient's entire body during the move.

Option A: This is a dangerous and incorrect lifting technique. Lifting with the back muscles leads to a high risk of serious musculoskeletal injury for the caregiver.
Option B: Dragging a patient causes friction and shearing forces, which can lead to skin tears, abrasions, and pressure ulcers, especially in vulnerable patients.
Option C: This describes the log-rolling technique, which is used to turn a patient while maintaining spinal alignment. It is not the primary principle of a blanket lift, which involves lifting the patient off the surface.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Safe Patient Handling and Transfer Techniques to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Adhering to safe patient handling principles like the blanket lift is crucial for preventing workplace injuries among nurses, as musculoskeletal disorders are a leading occupational hazard in healthcare.
Proper transfer techniques prevent patient injuries such as skin tears and falls, contributing to better patient outcomes and reducing hospital-acquired complications.
What if the patient has a suspected spinal injury? In that case, a blanket lift would be contraindicated. The correct procedure would be the log-roll technique, performed with extreme care to maintain neutral spinal alignment, often involving a spine board.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core procedure mentioned in the question: the 'blanket lift'.
Recall the fundamental principles of safe patient handling: use proper body mechanics (lift with legs, not back), minimize friction, and use adequate assistance.
Evaluate each option against these principles.
Option A violates body mechanics. Option B causes friction/shear. Option C describes a different procedure (log-roll).
Option D aligns perfectly with the principles of using teamwork to distribute weight and ensure a safe, coordinated lift. This makes it the most logical and correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 354-356

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 111-113

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