National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which wheelchair-to-bed transfer technique is most appropriate for a patient with a T10 complete spinal cord injury?

1. Sit pivot

2. Sliding board

3. Standing pivot

4. Mechanical lift

The correct answer is: Sit pivot

For a patient with a T10 complete spinal cord injury, the sit pivot transfer technique is considered the most appropriate because it allows the patient to utilize their upper body strength while accommodating their lower body limitations. Individuals with a T10 injury typically retain some trunk stability and can perform transfers while seated. This technique involves the patient moving their hips forward and pivoting in the wheelchair to transfer onto the bed without needing to stand, which may be challenging or unsafe given their functional level. The sliding board technique could also be an option for some individuals; however, it requires more upper limb strength and postural control to effectively use the board, which may not be optimal for every patient with a T10 injury. The standing pivot transfer is generally not suitable since it requires the ability to stand, which individuals with a complete T10 injury do not possess. Using a mechanical lift could be an alternative in certain cases, but it may not be necessary if the patient can perform the transfer independently or with minimal assistance. This adds complexity and potential delays to the transfer process in situations where the sit pivot method would suffice.