Before transferring a resident from bed to chair using a gait belt, what safety step should you perform first?

• A. Ensure the resident's shoes are removed
• B. Move the chair far from the bed
• C. Lock brakes on the bed and chair
• D. Remove the gait belt before transferring

Answer: (C)

Locking the brakes on both the bed and the chair is the first safety step because it keeps the surfaces from shifting during the transfer. When the bed and chair are secure, the caregiver has a stable base to support the resident, reducing the risk of falls or the resident sliding or shifting unexpectedly. The other options don’t add safety: removing shoes can increase slipping, moving the chair far away makes the transfer harder and less controllable, and removing the gait belt eliminates the primary aid used to guide and support the resident during the transfer.