What should you do to inspect and maintain a wheelchair or walker between uses?

• A. Only wipe with water
• B. Ignore brakes and leave dirty surfaces
• C. Inspect brakes, tires, and frame; clean surfaces with approved disinfectant; store in designated area
• D. Store outdoors without supervision

Answer: (C)

Regular inspection and cleaning of a wheelchair or walker between uses ensures safety and hygiene. The brakes should be tested to make sure they hold securely when engaged and won’t slip; tires or wheels should be checked for wear, cracks, or punctures; and the frame should be inspected for cracks, loose parts, or other damage that could fail during use. After verifying safety, wipe all surfaces with an approved disinfectant to reduce the risk of infection, especially with shared equipment or multiple users. Finally, store the device in a designated area to protect it from weather and damage and keep it readily available for the next use. Wiping only with water, neglecting brakes or dirty surfaces, or storing outdoors without supervision would compromise safety and cleanliness.