For a patient needing help to lift their trunk, what is the appropriate level of assistance?

When considering the appropriate level of assistance for a patient needing help to lift their trunk, the selection of moderate assist aligns with the patient's needs for support while also promoting their independence. Moderate assistance typically entails a considerable level of help but still encourages the patient to engage actively in the movement process. This level of assistance may involve the caregiver providing some physical support, such as assisting with lifting or guiding the trunk, while the patient contributes to the effort by pushing or pulling themselves into an upright position.

The rationale behind choosing moderate assist is to facilitate the patient's ability to perform the task with a manageable amount of support, which can enhance their confidence and potentially aid in their rehabilitation process. This approach balances assistance with personal effort, ultimately promoting strength and independence over time.

In contrast, maximal assist would indicate a higher level of dependency on the caregiver, which might not encourage the same degree of patient engagement and could hinder the development of muscle strength and functional ability. Contact guard offers minimal support and is often suitable for patients who are almost independent but may need a small amount of assistance for safety. Supervision involves ensuring safety without physical assistance, which may not be sufficient for someone needing help to lift their trunk. Therefore, moderate assist is the most appropriate choice for this scenario.