PS201 Week 3 Cue Cards - Attachments and Hoists

A set of practice flashcards focused on attachments, hoists, transfer planning, safety, and case-based risk management from the lecture notes.

What is the HALT assessment used for in transfer planning?

To determine how much assistance the patient needs (light, moderate, or heavy) and whether an assistive device is required.

List common attachments you might encounter when moving a patient.

Intravenous therapy lines (IVT), central venous catheters, arterial lines, wound drains (including underwater seal drains), nasogastric tubes, oxygen tubing, blood pressure cuff, oximeter, 12-lead ECG leads, indwelling catheter, TED stockings, etc.

Which attachments can typically be moved with the patient during bed-to-chair transfers?

Indwelling catheter, wound drain, underwater seal drain, and nasogastric tube.

Which attachments can sometimes be disconnected or moved aside during transfers (with appropriate approval)?

Blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, ECG leads (from the monitor side), IV line, and oxygen (with nursing approval or patient stability).

Why might an intravenous line or other attachment not be disconnected during mobilization?

Because the patient may be receiving ongoing therapy or care (e.g., IV therapy, transfusions, or other critical attachments); nursing/clinical approval is required for any changes.

How can you mobilize a patient who is on oxygen, according to the notes?

Use portable oxygen or an extension cord with a suitable connector to extend the oxygen tubing; ensure the patient remains saturating appropriately and seek nursing approval if needed.

What is a mobile hoist, and how does it differ from a ceiling hoist?

A mobile hoist is portable and can be used around the room; a ceiling hoist runs on a track in the ceiling; both are used for transfers, but ceiling hoists are typically fixed and may require different room setup.

What is a stand-up lifter and when might you use it?

A hoist designed for patients who have some trunk control but cannot weight bear or take steps; useful for toileting and dressing as the patient stands with assistance.

Describe the SaraSteady and its typical use in transfers.

A stand-on device used after stand lifter progression; the patient sits on a movable seat that rises as needed; no battery, can be managed by one clinician, and requires cleaning between patients.

What are some sling materials mentioned, and when might lamb’s wool be preferred?

Mesh/poly nylon slings for general transfers; lamb’s wool sling for delicate skin, burns/allergies, problematic skin, or long time in a chair.

Name the common sling types used in practice.

Universal sling, hammock, standing sling, hygiene sling, walking sling, and mesh/nylon variants; color-coded sizes indicate fit.

Why is colour coding on sling edges important?

It indicates the size of the sling, helping ensure the correct fit for safe lifting.

What environmental factors affect hoist use in hospitals vs. residential care?

Floor type (linoleum vs carpet), doorway widths, space to maneuver, and safety features like emergency stop and battery charge.

What are the main types of hoists described (with examples) and their typical use cases?

Mobile hoist (portable/slings), ceiling hoist (tracked in ceiling, Arjo Maxi SkyLifter as an example), and stand-up/ SaraSteady progression devices; each has different use cases based on patient needs and mobility.

What is a hover mat (gate aid) and when is it typically used?

A device used to move a patient across beds, typically in emergencies or to transfer from operating theater bed to ward bed; not commonly used by students but essential for clinicians.

What infection control considerations are mentioned for SaraSteady?

It has hard plastic surfaces that must be wiped down with appropriate disinfectant (e.g., Clorox wipes) between patient uses.

What is a key risk management point when handling a bladder/pump bag or wound drain during transfers?

Ensure bags are not overfull (heavy and can drag), keep drains/lines above ground when possible, and secure or empty contents before moving the patient.

What weight-bearing restrictions are typical after a rotator cuff repair, and how might this affect transfers?

Typically no weight bearing and no active movement for about two weeks (sometimes up to six weeks); may require standby assist or transferring on the non-affected side to minimize strain.

How should you manage an indwelling urinary catheter during mobility after a rotator cuff repair?

Keep the catheter below its insertion point and off the ground; ensure the bag isn’t overfull; consider keeping the IV/ catheter lines organized and supported to prevent pulling.

What should you consider when a patient has an IV line and needs to be moved to a chair?

Assess whether the IV line can be temporarily moved or needs to remain; ensure the line is safe, not tugging, and coordinate with nursing if a change is needed.

What is a practical approach to planning a transfer from bed to chair? (stage 1: pre-transfer assessment)

Assess the patient (HALT), identify attachments, decide which can be moved, select appropriate assistive devices, plan start/finish positions, and create a safe path with a clear environment.

How do you assess patient attachments prior to a transfer? (stage 2: attachment assessment)

List all attachments on the patient, categorising them as movable, removable, or unsafe to remove, and determine which can be safely moved with the patient vs. those that require nursing approval to disconnect or must remain in place.

How do you determine the need for an assistive device during patient transfers? (stage 3: determine assistive device needs)

Based on HALT assessment results, if more than moderate assistance is required, select an appropriate assistive device and potentially a hoist.

What steps are involved in selecting and preparing a sling and hoist for a transfer? (stage 4: sling and hoist selection and preperation)

Choose the correct sling type and size (ensuring color-coded size matches patient measurements), check sling integrity, ensure proper leg strap height settings, attach the sling correctly to the hoist spreader bar, and confirm hoist safety features (emergency stop, battery status, track alignment for ceiling hoists).

What is involved in planning a safe pathway for a patient transfer? (stage 5: planning the safe pathway)

Creating a clear, obstacle-free route from the start to finish position, ensuring the environment can accommodate the hoist or assistive device (room space, door widths, flooring), and preparing for multiple assistants if needed by assigning roles.

What are the key considerations during the execution and monitoring phases of a patient transfer? (stage 6: execution and monitoring)

Execute the transfer with attention to patient comfort and safety; monitor lines for tangling, tension, or dislodgement; communicate clearly with the patient and team; and post-transfer, re-check attachments, ensure devices are secure and functioning, and reposition the patient as needed.

What are specific considerations for moving or disconnecting various attachments during patient transfers?

• Indwelling catheter (IDC): Can be moved with caution; ensure bag does not touch the ground; maintain asepsis.

• Wound drain and underwater seal drain: Can be moved if secure and not compromising function; drain level and suction need monitoring.

• Nasogastric (NG) tube: Moves with patient but bag needs securement; avoid traction; ensure entrance to nose and throat is comfortable.

• Blood pressure cuff (BP cuff): Can be disconnected from the patient but may require reattachment.

• Pulse oximeter leads: Can be disconnected from patient wiring, with the sensor remaining on the patient and connected to a small box or monitor.

• ECG leads: Can be disconnected from the patient, with leads organized into a box/monitor unit.

• Oxygen delivery (nasal cannula, face mask): May be disconnected if the patient can tolerate; practice requires nursing clearance; use portable oxygen if needed, or an oxygen extension with wall supply to facilitate movement when portable oxygen is not available.

What attachments typically remain in place or require caution during patient transfers?

TED stockings (thromboembolism prevention) typically remain on for mobilization but can be removed for showering; hinged knee braces and leg supports (slings/braces) usually stay in place during mobilization unless necessary for cleaning or showering; IV lines generally cannot be removed and should only be disconnected with nursing approval and when clinically safe to do so.

What attachments can be moved around with support, and what precautions should be taken?

IV lines and surgical drains may be moved with caution; keep lines untangled and away from the feet and chair. Urinary catheters and bags should be kept below insertion and above the ground; ensure the bag is not overfull and empty if necessary with nursing assistance. Pneumothorax or chest tubes are generally do-not-move items, requiring clinical judgment.

Professional notes

• Always start with a clear goal and finish position for the transfer; plan the route and ensure space for safe manoeuvring

• Thoroughly assess attachments and determine which can be moved or removed; communicate with nursing for any removal

• When in doubt, delay transfer if an essential attachment (e.g., blood transfusion ongoing) is contraindicated for movement

• Use portable oxygen when possible for mobility; if not available, coordinate with nursing to extend tubing or use a wall supply with careful management of extensions

• Ensure infection control by avoiding contact with ground; secure tubes and ensure clean handoffs between patient and clinician

• Select sling type and size carefully; ensure colour-coding aligns with size; verify safety features (back handles, straps)

• Understand the hierarchy of devices: from full hoist (no trunk control) to stand-up lifter (partial control) to SaraSteady (stand-improved progression) to ceiling vs mobile lifts; know when each is appropriate

• In real clinical settings, expect variations in equipment across hospitals and care facilities; be prepared with knowledge of the specific devices available at your placement site

• The content integrates ethical and practical implications: prioritising patient safety, minimising risk to staff, ensuring patient autonomy while applying clinical judgment, and collaborating with nursing and other clinicians.