Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What is the main risk of transferring a resident without using a gait belt?

1. The resident may feel uncomfortable

2. The resident may fall or sustain injury

3. The transfer may take longer

4. The resident may experience anxiety

The correct answer is: The resident may fall or sustain injury

Using a gait belt during transfers is essential for promoting safety and preventing injuries. The primary risk of transferring a resident without a gait belt is the potential for the resident to fall or sustain injury. A gait belt provides a secure hold for the caregiver and stability for the resident, helping to prevent slips or falls during the transfer process. When a caregiver attempts to transfer a resident without appropriate support, they may struggle to maintain control over the resident’s movements. This can lead to an imbalance, causing the resident to fall, which could result in serious injuries such as fractures, bruises, or scrapes. The gait belt acts as a vital safety tool that allows caregivers to better manage weight distribution and leverage, thus minimizing risks during transfers. In contrast, while discomfort, longer transfer times, and anxiety may be concerns when a gait belt is not used, they are secondary to the critical issue of safety and the risk of injury. Protecting the resident's physical safety during transfers is of utmost importance in a healthcare setting.