Which aid helps reposition a patient safely without excessive bending?

• A. Trapeze
• B. Gait belt
• C. Lift sheet
• D. Slide board

Answer: (A)

A trapeze provides overhead assist that lets the patient help with repositioning using their arms, reducing the need for the clinician to bend deeply or twist. By grasping the bar and pulling, the patient can shift position, lift up toward the head of the bed, or scoot toward the edge with easier control. This setup protects the caregiver from excessive bending and strain while promoting safer, more independent movement for the patient.

Other aids have different primary uses. A gait belt assists with transfers from bed to chair and helps the caregiver maintain control during that movement but doesn’t specifically enable repositioning in bed without bending. A lift sheet (draw sheet) reduces friction and helps with turning or sliding the patient, yet it still often requires some bending and does not provide an overhead grip the way a trapeze does. A slide board is designed for lateral transfers between surfaces and is not the ideal tool for repositioning in bed without bending.

So, the trapeze is the best option for repositioning safely without excessive bending.