Before assisting a resident to stand and transfer to a wheelchair using a transfer belt, which safety action must be performed?

• A. Ensure the client is wearing shoes
• B. Place the transfer belt over the gown or clothing
• C. Lock the wheels on the wheelchair
• D. Instruct the client to stand without assistance

Answer: (C)

Locking the wheelchair’s wheels is the safety action that must be done first. When you’re about to help a resident stand and transfer using a transfer belt, you want a stable, non-moving base. If the chair can roll or shift, the resident could lose balance or fall even with your grip on the belt. Securing the chair prevents this risk and allows you to assist confidently and safely. Wearing shoes helps with footing, and placing the transfer belt over clothing is important for grip, but neither addresses the chair’s stability as directly as locking the wheels. Instructing the resident to stand without assistance is not safe; you provide support and use the transfer belt appropriately.