State the correct body mechanics for lifting a patient to prevent injury.

• A. Bend at the hips and knees, keep the back in a neutral alignment, hold the load close to the body, avoid twisting, and use leg muscles to lift.
• B. Bend at the waist and keep the back arched.
• C. Lift with the arms while the load is far from the body.
• D. Twist your torso while lifting to prevent strain.

Answer: (A)

Protecting the spine when lifting a patient comes down to using the strongest muscles and keeping the spine in a safe position. The best approach is to bend at the hips and knees rather than at the waist, so the legs do most of the work and the back stays in a neutral, natural alignment. This position shortens the lever arm of the load, meaning less torque on the spine and a lower risk of strain or injury. Keeping the load close to the body also reduces the stress on the back by maintaining a stable center of gravity. Avoid twisting the trunk while lifting; face the direction you’re moving and use your feet to pivot, which minimizes dangerous torsional forces on the spine. Rely on the leg muscles to lift rather than pulling with the arms or lifting with a bent or excessively curved back, since the legs are built for powerful, controlled lifting. If the patient is heavy or there’s any doubt about safety, enlist help or use a transfer device to prevent injury. This approach is a standard safety practice in clinical settings to minimize work-related musculoskeletal injuries for nurses and healthcare workers.