When a patient has a non-weight-bearing left leg, which guarding strategy is recommended during transfers?

• A. Stand on the unaffected side and guard the affected leg
• B. Guard the affected leg and stand on the unaffected side
• C. Stand behind patient and guard pelvis
• D. Sit patient up without back support

Answer: (B)

When guarding during a transfer, the aim is to protect the limb that cannot bear weight and to control the patient’s balance from a position that gives you the best leverage. With a non-weight-bearing left leg, you want to guard that leg to prevent any accidental movement or loading, and you want to stand on the patient’s right (unaffected) side. From that position you can stabilize the trunk and pelvis and guide the transfer effectively, using your body's weight to support the patient while keeping the left leg protected. Standing on the unaffected side also gives quicker access to the pelvis and trunk if the patient starts to lose balance, reducing the risk of a fall. The other options either fail to protect the injured limb or place you in a position that’s harder to control the transfer safely, making them less appropriate for this scenario.