A nurse is preparing to lift a heavy object. Which of the following actions by the nurse indicates an understanding of body mechanics?

Standing close to the object being moved is a fundamental principle of proper body mechanics and indicates correct understanding. When the nurse keeps the load close to the body, the center of gravity remains stable, leverage is maximized, and strain on the back muscles and lumbar spine is minimized. This reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injury, which is one of the most common occupational hazards in nursing. Twisting the spine when lifting is one of the most dangerous actions a nurse can take during a lift because rotational force significantly increases the risk of vertebral disc injury; instead, the nurse should pivot the entire body by moving the feet. Keeping feet together when lifting reduces the base of support, creating instability and increasing fall or injury risk; a wide stance with feet shoulder-width apart provides a stable base of support. Bending at the hip rather than the knees is also incorrect; nurses should bend at the knees and keep the back straight, using the large muscle groups of the legs to do the work of lifting rather than placing the mechanical load on the smaller, more vulnerable back muscles. Proper body mechanics protect both the nurse and the client during all repositioning and lifting activities.