What is the recommended approach to dressing a resident to protect dignity?

• A. Dress quickly without privacy.
• B. Dress the strong side first and ignore privacy.
• C. Do not check the care plan.
• D. Check the care plan to determine whether to dress in a supine or sitting position and which side is weak; dress the weak side first; maintain dignity with a bath blanket.

Answer: (D)

Protecting dignity during dressing means keeping the resident private and comfortable while handling clothing safely and according to the care plan. Start by checking the plan to know whether the resident should be dressed in a supine or sitting position and which side is weak. Dress the weak side first so you can support the affected limb and move the clothing through without putting strain on the strong side or risking a fall. Use a bath blanket to keep the resident covered, exposing only the area you’re dressing at each moment. This approach preserves modesty, reduces embarrassment, and supports safety. Rushing that compromises privacy, or dressing the strong side first while ignoring weakness, or skipping the care plan can lead to exposure, discomfort, or unsafe handling.