When dressing a resident, which side should you dress first?

• A. Dress the stronger side first.
• B. Dress the weaker (affected) side first.
• C. Dress both arms at the same time.
• D. Dress from feet upward.

Answer: (B)

Starting with the weaker side is best because it protects and guides the affected arm through the dressing process. When you work with the weaker side first, you can control and support that limb as you ease the sleeve over it, reducing the risk of pulling, twisting, or injuring the joint. Once the weaker side is comfortable and in place, you can finish with the stronger side, which is easier to manage with the arm already positioned.

Dressing the stronger side first can make it harder to guide the weaker arm and may cause unnecessary strain or difficulty in getting the sleeve over the affected limb. Dressing both arms at the same time isn’t practical and can compromise control and safety. Dressing from feet upward doesn’t address protecting the weak arm during the process, which is the key safety consideration here.