What is the first step when assisting a resident to sit up on the side of the bed?

• A. Has resident reach across chest with top arm
• B. Place hand on edge of bed near opposite shoulder
• C. Ask resident to push down on that hand
• D. All of the above

Answer: (A)

The action being tested is how to begin a safe, involved transfer from lying to sitting at the edge of the bed. The first step is for the resident to reach across their chest with the top arm. This initial move starts the ascent, helps the resident engage the upper body and core, and sets up the trunk for the next stages. It also signals active participation, which reduces the caregiver’s risk of pulling and helps maintain proper alignment.

After that initial reach, you place your hand on the edge of the bed near the opposite shoulder to provide a stable counter-support so you can guide the torso as it rotates upright. Then you instruct the resident to push down on that hand, using their arm strength to assist the lift while you provide supportive balance and control.

So the first step is the arm reach across the chest because it begins the movement and engages the resident’s own effort, with stabilization and guidance following in the subsequent steps.