What is the first step to check before assisting a patient into a wheelchair?

Ensuring that the wheels of the wheelchair are locked is paramount for the safety of the patient. When helping a patient into a wheelchair, if the wheels are not locked, the chair can roll away, leading to potential falls or injuries. This step is crucial because it creates a stable and secure base for the patient as they are being assisted. A locked wheelchair provides a fixed position, allowing the patient to safely transfer into the chair without the risk of it moving unexpectedly.

The other options, while important aspects of patient care in general, do not directly pertain to the immediate and critical need for stability during the transfer into the wheelchair. The patient’s medical history and family history may be necessary for broader patient care considerations but do not affect the physical act of assisting the patient into the wheelchair. Similarly, while respecting a patient's religious beliefs is essential in overall care, it is not a logistical factor when preparing a wheelchair for use. Thus, checking that the wheels are locked is the most vital first step in this specific context.