Sarah is a resident who uses her wheelchair to move throughout the facility. She has leg rests on her wheelchair to keep her legs elevated. You help her to her room since she can keep her feet on the floor

• A. Position the leg rests according to the care plan and hand her the call light
• B. Do none of the above
• C. Leave the leg rests in place and move
• D. Remove leg rests before transport

Answer: (A)

Positioning equipment correctly and ensuring a way to request help are essential for safe transport in a wheelchair. Leg rests are part of supporting the legs and maintaining proper alignment and comfort. When you move a resident to a different area, follow the care plan for how those leg rests should be placed or stored so they don’t get in the way during transfer and so the legs stay properly supported. At the same time, keep the call light within reach so she can signal if she needs assistance.

If leg rests are left in place without regard to the transfer plan, they can snag on furniture or cause the feet to slip, increasing the risk of injury or an uncomfortable move. Removing them before transport can deprive the resident of needed leg support, especially if the plan calls for elevation or specific positioning. Following the care plan ensures both safety and comfort, with the added option for the resident to call for help if needed.