NCLEX-RNSafety and Infection Prevention and ControlEasy
A nurse is preparing to transfer a client who is obese and has left-sided weakness from the bed to a chair. Which action indicates the nurse is using proper body mechanics?
- ATwisting at the waist while pivoting the client.
- BLifting the client by pulling on their arms.
- CKeeping feet close together to maintain a narrow base of support.
- DBending at the knees and hips, keeping the back straight.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Bending at the knees and hips, keeping the back straight.
Bending at the knees and hips while keeping the back straight allows the nurse to use the stronger leg muscles for lifting and pivoting, reducing strain on the back. This is a fundamental principle of proper body mechanics.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Twisting at the waist places significant strain on the spinal column and can lead to injury.
- B. Lifting by pulling on arms can cause injury to both the client's shoulders/arms and the nurse's back.
- C. A narrow base of support reduces stability and increases the risk of losing balance or injury.
Proper Body Mechanics
The efficient and safe use of the body to move objects or clients, minimizing strain and preventing injury to both the healthcare worker and the client.
- Maintain a broad base of support.
- Bend at the knees and hips, not the waist, keeping the back straight.
- Lift with leg muscles, not back muscles.
- Keep the object or client close to the body.
Memory trick: LIFT with LEGS, not your BACK, keep things CLOSE!