Which item is used to help staff move a patient by lifting the sheet, while reducing friction and protecting the patient?

• A. Bed Rail
• B. Bed Pan
• C. Lift/Draw Sheet
• D. Mattress Topper

Answer: (C)

Moving a patient safely with reduced friction comes from using a lift/draw sheet. This sheet lies under the patient and provides a smooth surface that caregivers can grasp to lift and slide the person. By lifting on the sheet rather than pulling directly on the skin or fabric, friction and shear are minimized, which helps protect delicate skin and tissues during repositioning or transfers. It also gives a controlled grip for smoother movement and supports proper body mechanics for the staff.

Bed rails are for safety and helping with getting in and out, but they don’t facilitate lifting the patient or reduce friction during a move. A bed pan is used for elimination, not repositioning. A mattress topper affects comfort and pressure distribution, but it isn’t designed to enable lifting or to reduce friction in the way a lift/draw sheet does.