To prevent self-injury, how should a nurse lift a bedside cabinet properly?

To prevent self-injury, how should a nurse lift a bedside cabinet properly?

• A. Lift with arms extended straight
• B. Stay close to the cabinet when lifting it
• C. Twist the body while lifting
• D. Use only one hand to lift

Answer: (B)

Lifting a bedside cabinet properly is crucial for preventing self-injury and ensuring safe practice. Staying close to the cabinet while lifting is important because it allows the nurse to maintain better control of the object being lifted. When the body is close to the item, the center of gravity is also closer, reducing the risk of strain on the back and making it easier to lift with the legs, which are stronger and more capable of handling the weight. Keeping the load close also minimizes the need to reach or stretch, which can lead to awkward movements and potential injury. It ensures that the lifting is done using the legs instead of the back, which is critical for safe lifting techniques. This approach aligns with ergonomic principles that promote safety in manual handling tasks. The other options do not effectively promote safe lifting techniques. Lifting with arms extended can lead to back strain, twisting during a lift increases the risk of injury, and using only one hand compromises balance and control. Thus, staying close to the cabinet is the best practice for preventing self-injury.

Lifting a bedside cabinet properly is crucial for preventing self-injury and ensuring safe practice. Staying close to the cabinet while lifting is important because it allows the nurse to maintain better control of the object being lifted. When the body is close to the item, the center of gravity is also closer, reducing the risk of strain on the back and making it easier to lift with the legs, which are stronger and more capable of handling the weight.

Keeping the load close also minimizes the need to reach or stretch, which can lead to awkward movements and potential injury. It ensures that the lifting is done using the legs instead of the back, which is critical for safe lifting techniques. This approach aligns with ergonomic principles that promote safety in manual handling tasks.

The other options do not effectively promote safe lifting techniques. Lifting with arms extended can lead to back strain, twisting during a lift increases the risk of injury, and using only one hand compromises balance and control. Thus, staying close to the cabinet is the best practice for preventing self-injury.