Nurses need to implement appropriate body mechanics in order to preven

Nurses need to implement appropriate body mechanics in order to prevent injury to themselves and their clients. Which principle of body mechanics should the nurse incorporate into client care?

1. Flex the knees and keep the feet wide apart.
2. Assume a position far enough away from the client.
3. Twist the body in the direction of movement.
4. Use the strong back muscles for lifting or moving.

ANSWER

ANS: 1
The correct answer is to flex the knees and keep the feet wide apart. This will create a wide base of support, providing greater stability for the nurse and reducing the risk of back injury. The nurse should be positioned close to the client and use the arms and legs. Dividing balanced activ-ity between arms and legs reduces the risk of back injury. Facing the direction of movement pre-vents abnormal twisting of the spine, also reducing the risk of back injury.