Which technique reduces skin friction when repositioning a patient across bed sheets?

• A. Dragging patient across sheets
• B. Using friction-reducing sheets and coordinated gradual movements
• C. Lifting by one staff
• D. Rolling the patient without moving

Answer: (B)

Minimizing friction and shear on the skin is essential when repositioning a patient. Friction-reducing sheets, like slide or flotation sheets, lower the resistance between the patient and the bed, while coordinated, gradual movements by the team ensure the patient is moved smoothly rather than abruptly pulled. This combination reduces both friction and shear forces that can injure the skin and underlying tissues, helping protect against skin breakdown.

Dragging the patient directly across sheets increases friction and can injure the skin. Lifting by one staff may help with effort but doesn’t guarantee minimized friction or safe, controlled movement. Rolling without moving isn’t real repositioning and wouldn’t accomplish a safe, friction-reducing transfer.