A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about maintaining correct posture when transferring clients.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale:

Keeping the feet together when lifting an object is not a proper body mechanics technique. It can lead to instability and an increased risk of injury because the base of support is not wide enough. Therefore, this choice does not indicate an understanding of body mechanics.

Choice B rationale:

Bending at the hip when lifting is also an incorrect body mechanics technique. Proper body mechanics involve bending at the knees and keeping the back straight to reduce the risk of back injuries. Bending at the hips can strain the lower back, making it an incorrect choice.

Choice C rationale:

Twisting the spine when lifting is a harmful practice in body mechanics. Twisting the spine can lead to spinal injuries, especially when lifting heavy objects. Proper body mechanics emphasize keeping the spine aligned and not twisting during lifting. Therefore, this choice does not indicate an understanding of body mechanics.

Choice D rationale:

Standing close to the object being moved is the correct body mechanics technique. This choice demonstrates an understanding of proper body mechanics because it reduces the strain on the back and minimizes the effort required to lift a heavy object. Keeping a wide base of support and using the leg muscles rather than the back muscles are essential principles of proper body mechanics. This is the correct choice. .

Choice A rationale:

Reduced respiratory rate is not a typical manifestation of pain. In fact, pain often leads to an increased respiratory rate as the body responds to discomfort by trying to minimize it.

Choice B rationale:

Elevated blood pressure is a common manifestation of pain. When a person experiences pain, their sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This response is designed to prepare the body to fight or flee from a potential threat, and it helps redirect blood flow to vital organs.

Choice C rationale:

Constricted pupils are not a direct manifestation of pain. In contrast, dilated pupils can be seen in response to pain as a result of sympathetic nervous system activation.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased heart rate is not typically associated with pain. Pain tends to increase heart rate as a part of the body's stress response.