Review of test question

   1.   C-Tucking to excess gait belt strap is the best answer. Tucking the gait belt is a safe response so the belt is not in the way of transferring a patient.

2  B-Applying the gait belt over clothes prevents shearing of the skin if the belt rubs on the person while moving them.

3.   D. Lowering the person to the floor avoids sustaining injury during the fall.

4.   D. Grasping the gait belt on each side promotes balance for the worker during the transfer

The goal of this blog is to promote safety and comfort when nursing students care for patients whether in acute care or home settings.

Objectives

  §  1. Student will apply knowledge to accurately demonstrate applying a gait belt

§  2.  Student will use gait belt to transfer a patient safely

§  3. Discuss situations when gait belts are contraindicated

§  4. Follow safety measures when performing transfers

Does everyone know how to use a gait belt?

Steps are outlined as a refresher for everyone but also help anyone who did not see video. Situations not to use gait belt include: after recent abdominal surgery, colostomy present on abdomen, large breasted women, obese person, paralysis of lower extremities, floor wet or slippery

Steps to transfer from bed to chair using a gait belt

1)   Introduce self

2)  Call person by proper name, check to make sure you have the correct person

3)  Explain why using gait belt

4)  Wash hands

5)  Apply gait belt with tag toward person and over clothes

6)  Insert gait belt through teeth

7)  Wrap until snug against body and can only insert one finger width under belt

8)  Excess gait belt in tucked under the belt

9)  Buckle of gait belt is on side or back of person

10) Grasp gait belt using underside of palm of both hands on sides     of person

11)     Bend knees,

12)    Brace your knees against the person’s knees. Block his or her feet with your feet or

13)     Use the knee and foot of one leg to block the person’s weak leg or foot 

14)  Place your other foot slightly behind you for balance or

15)   Straddle your legs around the person’s weak leg

16)  Tell person to place hands on bed and push into mattress when lifting off of bed

17) Count out loud to number 3 then proceed with transfer

18)  Tell person to sit in chair when they fell back of legs touch chair

19)   Remove gait belt

20)  Ensure person is safe and comfortable

21)  Wash hands

Do your students explain their skill before beginning a nursing skill?

When students are to ambulate a patient do they know the best ways to communicate the steps to proceed with the nursing task at hand?

Communication before beginning a nursing task promotes comfort and reduces fear in the patient. Explain the

1)  Distance to walk,

2)  What assistive devices will be used,

3)  What symptoms the person is to report to you,

4)  How you will assist,

5)   How you will help if the person begins to fall.

Suggested communication to patient before ambulating with them 

“Mr. Owens, I am going to help you walk from your bed to the doorway and back. This gait belt is to help support you while you walk. I will stay by your side and keep hold of the belt at all times. Let me know right away if you feel unsteady, dizzy, or weak. Also tell me if you feel any pain or discomfort. If you do begin to fall, I will use the belt to pull you close to me and gently lower you to the ground. Do you have any questions?”

Please fill out matching

In our next session you will receive answers to matching

Matching

 A.    ADL            ________Range of Motion

 B.   AMB            ________Out of Bed

 C.  OOB            _________Activities of  

                                         Daily Living

 D.  ROM            _________Ambulate

Sorrentino,S., Remmert, L., & Gorek, B. (2012). Mosby’s essentials for nursing assistants (4^th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.