When dressing a resident, which sequence supports safety and dignity?

• A. Dress the strong side first.
• B. Check the care plan to determine whether dressing should be in a supine or sitting position and which side is weak; dress the weak side first; maintain the resident's dignity with a bath blanket.
• C. Remove clothes from the weak side first.
• D. Skip using a bath blanket.

Answer: (B)

Dressing a resident safely and with dignity starts with understanding the plan for positioning and which side is weaker. By checking the care plan, you know whether the resident should be dressed while lying down or sitting, and you identify the weaker side that needs support. Dressing the weaker side first makes it easier to guide that limb into the clothing without pulling across the body, reducing strain and the risk of injury. After the weak side is in place, you complete the dressing on the other side.

Using a bath blanket during the process helps protect privacy and warmth, keeping the resident covered and dignified throughout the procedure. This combination—following the care plan for position and side, dressing the weak side first, and maintaining modesty with a bath blanket—best supports safety and respect.

Dressing the strong side first can increase effort and risk to the weaker side, undressing actions don’t address dressing order, and skipping the bath blanket fails to preserve privacy and comfort.