Which item is specifically described as reducing friction during bed-to-wheelchair transfers?

Which item is specifically described as reducing friction during bed-to-wheelchair transfers?

• A. Footrests
• B. Friction-reducing sheets
• C. Aligning surfaces
• D. Transfer boards

Answer: (B)

Friction is the resistance that makes an object harder to slide across a surface. In bed-to-wheelchair transfers, reducing that resistance helps the patient slide smoothly with less effort from the caregiver and lowers the risk of skin injury from shear. Friction-reducing sheets are designed for this purpose—they provide a very low-friction interface between the patient and both surfaces (bed and wheelchair), so the patient can glide across more easily during the transfer. Proper use involves placing the sheet under the patient and using correct transfer technique with good body mechanics. Footrests are for supporting the feet in the wheelchair and don’t affect sliding friction. Aligning surfaces can aid in safe transfer setup but doesn’t reduce friction. A transfer board offers a rigid path to bridge gaps but isn’t specifically a friction-reducing material.

Friction is the resistance that makes an object harder to slide across a surface. In bed-to-wheelchair transfers, reducing that resistance helps the patient slide smoothly with less effort from the caregiver and lowers the risk of skin injury from shear. Friction-reducing sheets are designed for this purpose—they provide a very low-friction interface between the patient and both surfaces (bed and wheelchair), so the patient can glide across more easily during the transfer. Proper use involves placing the sheet under the patient and using correct transfer technique with good body mechanics.

Footrests are for supporting the feet in the wheelchair and don’t affect sliding friction. Aligning surfaces can aid in safe transfer setup but doesn’t reduce friction. A transfer board offers a rigid path to bridge gaps but isn’t specifically a friction-reducing material.