A CNA is helping transfer a heavy resident from bed to chair using a gait belt. Which body mechanic is MOST important for the CNA?
Answer choices
- ABend at the knees and keep the back straight while using leg muscles
- BTwist at the waist while pulling the resident forward
- CKeep feet together and lean far over the bed
- DPull the resident quickly to reduce strain time
About this question
Which body mechanic matters most when a CNA transfers a heavy resident with a gait belt? Transfer and ambulation items test caregiver safety and resident control together. Twisting, leaning, and jerking are classic fail patterns on both written stems and skills checklists. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NNAAP competency being tested.
This practice question asks for the most important mechanic. Bend at the knees, keep the back straight, and use leg muscles with a stable base. Do not twist at the waist while pulling, keep feet together and lean far over the bed, or yank quickly to shorten strain time. Control first, then move. For gait belt body mechanics transfer, rehearse the same rule out loud before your next skills run.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- ABend at the knees and keep the back straight while using leg musclesCorrect
- BTwist at the waist while pulling the resident forward
- CKeep feet together and lean far over the bed
- DPull the resident quickly to reduce strain time
Basic rationale
Safe body mechanics for transfers use a wide base, bent knees, straight back, and leg muscles rather than twisting, bending at the waist, or jerking.
Option explanations
- A: Correct. Bend knees, keep back straight, and use leg muscles.
- B: Incorrect. Twisting at the waist risks back injury.
- C: Incorrect. Narrow base and leaning over the bed reduce stability.
- D: Incorrect. Quick pulling is unsafe for CNA and resident.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
Protecting the CNA back during a gait-belt transfer means bending knees, keeping the spine straight, and lifting with leg strength instead of twisting or pulling quickly.
Distractor analysis
B: Twisting at the waist during a transfer strains the spine. C: Feet together with a forward lean reduces stability and increases back injury risk. D: Jerking the resident quickly increases injury risk to both people.
Exam trap
Bend knees, straight back, use legs. Never twist or pull fast.
Memory tip
Lift safe: wide base, knees bent, back straight, legs work.
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