Which movement should be avoided to protect a resident at risk for hip dislocation during transfer?

• A. Avoid bending the hip beyond 90 degrees
• B. Bend the hip to 120 degrees
• C. Cross the legs during transfer
• D. Move the resident's knees together and ankles apart

Answer: (A)

Preventing hip dislocation during transfers comes from keeping the hip in a safe position and avoiding excessive flexion. Bending the hip beyond 90 degrees is the movement to avoid because that amount of flexion can compromise joint stability and risk dislocation. While bending to 120 degrees would also exceed the safe limit, the general rule is to keep hip flexion at or below 90 degrees during transfers. Crossing the legs or bringing knees together while moving can place the hip in adduction and rotation that also raise dislocation risk, so those positions aren’t recommended. In practice, maintain neutral hip alignment and use appropriate transfer aids to protect the joint.