PS201 Week 2 Cue Cards - Transfers

A set of practice Q&A flashcards covering key concepts from the transfer and manual handling lecture, including definitions, scenario-based reasoning, and risk-management principles.

What is a transfer in a clinical setting?

Moving a patient from one place or position to another; transfers can be independent (unassisted) or dependent (with some assistance).

Differentiate independent vs dependent transfers.

Independent transfers are performed without help; dependent transfers require some form of assistance, with varying levels of support.

What are the typical levels of assistance used in manual handling transfers?

Standby assist (hands off), verbal cues, light assist, moderate assist, and heavy/full assist (hands-on).

What are the stages of a transfer cycle?

Plan the transfer; perform the transfer; evaluate the outcome; adapt as needed; then plan again (a PDCA cycle).

Describe Safe Work Australia’s approach to a transfer.

Identify hazards; assess risk; control the risks during the transfer; review the transfer and adjust as needed.

In Scenario 1 (Mr Dean), what hazards were identified when moving up the bed?

Left ankle fracture with plaster (heavy and non-weight-bearing); risk of left leg dragging; potential injury to patient and staff; need to plan for appropriate assistance and possible equipment.

What preparation steps are needed before performing a transfer?

Assess the patient’s abilities (which movements they can perform), determine weight-bearing status, identify how the patient can assist, establish start/finish positions, assess the environment for hazards, and decide the level of assistance required.

Name some common transfers you should assess in physiotherapy.

Moving up/across the bed, rolling to the side, lying to sitting on the edge, lying to sitting out of bed into a chair, sit-to-stand, and walking up/down stairs; transfers during stretching and exercise.

In Scenario 2, with a right below-knee amputation, which side should be used for the transfer and why?

Transfer through the strong side (left) with the left side near the bed; assess trunk control; may use a gate aid; progress to standing with a frame or pivot if safe.

What is the minimum quadriceps strength grade generally required to stand up?

Grade 3 (minimum) for weight-bearing on the leg; anything less risks knee collapse and reduced ability to stand.

What is the main risk when a six-month-old baby is left unattended for plaster changes?

The baby could roll off the bed; never leave unattended; keep at least one hand on the baby or have a caregiver present to supervise and assist.

How should you manage arm exercises for a patient with moderate dementia and short-term memory loss?

Use a seated position with arms supported; provide repetitive, simple instructions; physically guide the movement if needed and place a small dumbbell in the hand to aid guidance; stay close and monitor safety.

Define dynamic standing balance and why it matters for transfers.

Balance while moving; reduced dynamic balance increases risk of losing balance during transfers, requiring closer supervision, cueing, and progression of assistance.

What is the recommended approach for balance exercises like standing on one leg with reaching outside base of support?

Start with minimal standby assistance, keep a close body position, use a wide base of support, apply verbal cues, and gradually progress to light/moderate assistance as balance improves.

Scenario 6 question: With right leg non-weight bearing, left leg partial weight bearing, left arm non-weight bearing, and right arm full weight bearing, what gait aid is initially appropriate and why?

Start with a wheelchair (nonambulant) because standing is not safe with these restrictions; as weight bearing status changes (e.g., left leg tolerates more weight), a gutter frame may be considered to allow weight through the right arm and partial through the left leg.

What is the difference between a pivot transfer and a slide board transfer from wheelchair to bed?

Pivot transfer: you stand up and pivot around to sit on the bed; slide board transfer: a board bridges between wheelchair and bed allowing the patient to slide across without fully standing.

What should you document if a patient is nonambulant due to weight-bearing restrictions?

Document the nonambulant status and weight-bearing limitations; communicate with nursing; plan future mobilization as restrictions change; ensure wheelchair or alternative aid is in place.

dynamic transfer process

1. consent

2. assessment •assess the environment for any risks

   •assess the patient - using the HAALLT acronym

   •assess yourself and any assistants for fitness for practice

3. Plan

4. Patient to repeat

5. Proceed