What describes proper body mechanics when lifting a resident?

• A. Bend at the waist, keep back rounded, and lift with the arms
• B. Bend at the knees, keep the back straight, hold the resident close, use leg muscles, and avoid twisting
• C. Keep the back curved but lift with the back
• D. Twist the torso to reach around the resident

Answer: (B)

The main concept is protecting the spine by using proper body mechanics to lift and move a resident. Bend at the knees and keep the back straight, so you use your leg muscles rather than your back to lift. Holding the resident close to your body reduces the load on your spine and improves balance, making the lift safer. Use the leg muscles to lift and avoid twisting the torso; twisting can put uneven stress on the spine and lead to injury. This combination—bend at the knees, keep the back straight, hold the resident close, use leg muscles, and avoid twisting—best describes safe lifting technique. Avoid bending at the waist with a rounded back or lifting with the back or twisting, as these increase the risk of back injury.