How should you position a resident who is at risk for hip dislocation during transfer?

• A. Avoid flexing the hip beyond 90 degrees, avoid crossing legs, and keep hips aligned
• B. Flex the hip beyond 90 degrees for easier transfer
• C. Cross the legs to stabilize the pelvis
• D. Keep hips in constant flexion at 120 degrees

Answer: (A)

Protecting the hip during transfer means keeping movement within safe limits. Limiting hip flexion to 90 degrees or less prevents the joint from bending enough to push the femoral head out of the socket. Not crossing the legs avoids adduction that can pull the hip into a dislocated position, and keeping the hips in neutral alignment prevents twisting forces on the joint. Together, these precautions minimize the risk of dislocation during transfers. Options that involve more than 90 degrees of flexion, crossing the legs, or holding the hip in excessive flexion (like 120 degrees) increase dislocation risk and are not appropriate.