Which statement is true when dressing a resident with weakness on one side?

Which statement is true when dressing a resident with weakness on one side?

• A. If a resident has weakness on one side, the NA should start with the weaker side when dressing.
• B. An NA should choose the resident's clothing for the day.
• C. If a resident has weakness on one side, the NA should start with the stronger side when dressing.
• D. Residents should dress in nightclothes during the day because it promotes comfort.

Answer: (A)

When a resident has weakness on one side, the safest and most effective dressing sequence is to start with the weaker side. Dressing the affected side first allows you to guide that arm into the sleeve while the stronger side remains free to help steady and finish the process. If you begin with the stronger side, the weaker arm may be pulled or twisted through the sleeve, which can cause discomfort, strain, or a loss of balance for the resident. This approach minimizes risk and makes the overall dressing task easier and safer. The other points aren’t about the dressing technique itself: choosing clothing for the day is a separate planning step, and dressing in nightclothes during the day doesn’t address safety or method and isn’t standard practice for daytime care.

When a resident has weakness on one side, the safest and most effective dressing sequence is to start with the weaker side. Dressing the affected side first allows you to guide that arm into the sleeve while the stronger side remains free to help steady and finish the process. If you begin with the stronger side, the weaker arm may be pulled or twisted through the sleeve, which can cause discomfort, strain, or a loss of balance for the resident. This approach minimizes risk and makes the overall dressing task easier and safer.

The other points aren’t about the dressing technique itself: choosing clothing for the day is a separate planning step, and dressing in nightclothes during the day doesn’t address safety or method and isn’t standard practice for daytime care.