The nurse must lift a 15-pound box of supplies from a low shelf on the

The nurse must lift a 15-pound box of supplies from a low shelf on the supply cart to a table. Which technique should the nurse use to protect the back?

1. Place the feet together to provide a strong base of support.
2. Flex the knees to lower the center of gravity.
3. Face the box, pick it up, and rotate the upper body toward the table.
4. Hold the box as close to the body as possible.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Placing the feet together makes the body more unstable and more likely to fall.
Rationale 2: In order to pick up this box as safely as possible, the nurse should flex the knees to lower the center of gravity.
Rationale 3: After picking up the weight, the body should not be rotated, but should be turned to face the table.
Rationale 4: In order to pick up this box as safely as possible, the nurse should hold the box as close to the body as possible.