How long should you allow a resident's feet to dangle before moving them?

• A. 0-5 seconds
• B. 10-15 seconds
• C. 5-10 seconds
• D. 20-30 seconds

Answer: (B)

Letting the feet dangle briefly helps prevent dizziness from orthostatic hypotension when moving a resident from lying to sitting or standing. After you bring the resident to the edge of the bed, a short pause of about 10 to 15 seconds gives time for blood to shift and for the body’s circulatory system to stabilize before the next move. If you go too quickly, the resident may feel lightheaded or faint; if you wait too long, it can be uncomfortable and unnecessary. So the 10–15 second window balances safety and efficiency, reducing dizziness while preparing the body for a stable transfer.