When a patient has an abdominal incision or recent abdominal surgery, how should you modify a transfer?

• A. Use sliding sheets to minimize abdominal strain and avoid hip flexion or twisting; maintain midline alignment and proper support
• B. Twist the torso to assist the transfer and increase speed
• C. Bend at the waist to facilitate movement
• D. Hold the patient upright without sheet support

Answer: (A)

When a patient has an abdominal incision or recent abdominal surgery, the goal of a transfer is to protect the wound by minimizing strain on the abdominal wall and avoiding forces that could disrupt the incision. Using sliding sheets or other friction-reducing devices lets staff move the patient with less lifting and lower shear forces, which helps keep the incision intact and reduces the risk of wound dehiscence.

Keep the patient’s trunk in a midline, supported position throughout the move. Avoid twisting the torso, bending at the waist, or bending the hips during transfer, because these actions increase abdominal wall tension and intra-abdominal pressure on the incision. Proper support and alignment help distribute forces across the whole trunk rather than concentrating them on the abdominal wound.

Choosing twisting, bending at the waist, or lifting without sheet support would raise the risk to the incision by creating greater strain or shear on the wound. The sliding-sheet approach with neutral spine and midline alignment best protects the incision while enabling a safe transfer.