During patient lifting, you should follow this important suggestion: – Avoid twisting your body. – Lift on the count of three. – Pull rather than push objects. – Lock your knees and elbows.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Avoid twisting your body.
Explanation:
When lifting a patient or any heavy object, body mechanics play a crucial role in preventing injury to both the caregiver and the person being lifted. Among the listed suggestions, avoiding twisting your body is the most important because twisting while lifting places unnecessary strain on the spine. This action can easily lead to muscle strain, slipped discs, or other back injuries. Instead, one should turn by moving the feet, not the torso, to maintain spinal alignment and distribute weight evenly.
Twisting your body during a lift alters the natural curve of the spine and causes uneven loading of the vertebrae and surrounding muscles. This increases the risk of injury, especially in the lower back. Proper lifting technique involves keeping the back straight, bending at the knees and hips, and lifting with the legs, which are stronger and better suited for bearing weight.
The second suggestion, lifting on the count of three, is good practice for team lifts because it ensures coordination. However, it does not directly reduce the risk of injury as effectively as avoiding twisting.
The third suggestion, pulling rather than pushing objects, is generally not recommended. Pushing allows the use of body weight and reduces strain on the back and arms, while pulling can increase the risk of falls and muscular injuries.
The final suggestion, locking your knees and elbows, is incorrect. Locking joints during lifting can lead to reduced flexibility and higher injury risk. Instead, joints should remain slightly bent to allow for better movement and shock absorption.
In summary, the most vital safety measure during patient lifting is to avoid twisting your body. This technique promotes safer movement, protects your spine, and helps ensure the safety of the patient.
