What should a nurse prioritize when providing care to a patient with impaired mobility?

Prioritizing maintaining patient dignity while assisting with transfers is essential in providing care to a patient with impaired mobility because it respects the individual’s self-worth and autonomy. This approach fosters a sense of agency in the patient, promoting their mental and emotional well-being. When nurses assist patients, it is crucial to involve them in the process as much as possible, allowing them to contribute and make choices during transfers. This not only helps to preserve dignity but can also enhance the patient’s confidence and engage them in their own care.

Maintaining dignity includes ensuring privacy, being respectful, and using appropriate communication. Engaging the patient in their care can lead to a more positive experience, reducing feelings of helplessness or embarrassment that might accompany needing assistance. It encourages a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship and supports overall recovery by promoting a sense of control.

Focusing solely on patient comfort, performing all tasks for the patient, or minimizing interaction are less effective strategies, as they can either overlook the importance of the patient's involvement, diminish their sense of agency, or potentially impact their recovery and self-esteem negatively.