What step helps maintain privacy during dressing a resident with a weak arm?

• A. Remove the gown from the weak side first
• B. Roll the gown toward the weak side last
• C. Lay bath blanket over resident for privacy
• D. Dress the weak arm first

Answer: (C)

Maintaining privacy during dressing is achieved through proper draping. Placing a bath blanket over the resident’s chest and abdomen keeps the body covered while you handle the arm that’s being dressed, so only the arm is exposed. This protects dignity, which is especially important when one arm is weaker and more vulnerable to accidental exposure or discomfort. Using the blanket before you start ensures privacy throughout the procedure. Removing the gown from the weak side first would expose more of the body, and other approaches don’t provide the same level of consistent coverage. Dressing the weak arm first helps with limb access but doesn’t address privacy as effectively as draping with a bath blanket.