What is the best approach for undressing and dressing a patient with one side affected?

The best approach for undressing and dressing a patient with one side affected is to undress the unaffected side first and then dress the affected side. This method is both practical and considerate, as it helps the patient maintain their dignity and comfort while accommodating their needs.

By undressing the unaffected side first, the caregiver minimizes the patient's discomfort and exposure. Once the unaffected side is undressed, the caregiver can focus on dressing the affected side last. This ensures that the patient feels supported, as they typically have more mobility and ability to assist with the unaffected side, making the process smoother.

Dressing the affected side first would likely increase the risk of injury or discomfort for the patient, as they may struggle to manage the dressing process while their affected side is still vulnerable. Undressing only the unaffected side would not provide a complete dressing solution, and would leave the patient half-dressed, which could lead to feelings of vulnerability.