When transferring from bed to chair or wheelchair, which step should you perform first?

• A. Check the care plan to determine if resident has an affected or weak side.
• B. Lock the wheelchair first.
• C. Position the chair next to the bed.
• D. Stand in front of the resident.

Answer: (A)

The important idea is safety through planning: you must check the resident’s care plan before starting a bed-to-chair transfer to learn if there’s a weak or affected side and any specific instructions. This information tells you how to guard the resident, which side to approach from, and whether extra help or assistive devices are needed. With that plan in mind, you can set up the transfer safely—such as ensuring the chair is correctly positioned and ready and using the appropriate support methods—before performing the physical steps. While locking the wheelchair, placing the chair, and positioning yourself are all important parts of the process, they should follow after confirming the plan so the transfer aligns with the resident’s safety requirements.