What must we always do when moving a patient?

• A. Lift smoothly, and use a 'signal of 3' to coordinate
• B. Push quickly to finish
• C. Stand in front of the resident
• D. Yell for help

Answer: (A)

Moving a patient safely relies on good body mechanics and clear team communication. Lifting smoothly helps prevent jerky motions that could injure you or the patient, and using a coordinated signal, like a three-count, ensures everyone involved knows when to move together. This coordination keeps the patient stable and reduces the risk of dropping or shifting them during the transfer.

Pushing quickly can lead to loss of control and injuries. Standing in front of the resident blocks the path and creates a barrier to safe movement. Yelling for help isn’t a reliable way to coordinate a transfer on its own and can cause confusion. The best practice is to lift smoothly and coordinate with the team using a shared cue.