Core Principles
Name 2 benefits of using proper body mechanics in healthcare.
Injury prevention
Less fatigue
Protects patients
Increased efficiency
What stance should you use for maximum stability when lifting?
Feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly forward.
Name 3 common injuries caused by improper body mechanics.
Back strain
Tendonitis
Herniated disc
Carpal tunnel
What does “neutral posture” mean?
Natural spine alignment; ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips.
What type of joint allows only bending and straightening in one plane?
Hinge joint.
Demonstration: Show safe lifting from floor to waist height.
Same criteria as Round 1 safe lift.
Demonstration: Show “pivoting your feet” instead of twisting your spine.
Turn feet and entire body, not spine.
What is repetitive motion injury, and give one example in healthcare.
Typing → carpal tunnel
Lifting repeatedly → tendonitis
Demonstration: Sit at a desk or hold a phone showing correct posture.
Phone at eye level, shoulders relaxed, back straight.
Give 2 examples of ball-and-socket joints.
Shoulder and hip.
Explain why using your large muscles is better than using small muscles when lifting.
Leg and core muscles are stronger and reduce strain on small back muscles.
Why is lowering your center of gravity important when lifting or moving a patient?
Improves balance and control.
Scenario: A nurse lifts a patient alone without bending knees. Predict possible injuries.
Back strain, disc damage, muscle tear.
Scenario: You notice a classmate’s monitor is too low and chair is too high. How would you fix it?
Raise monitor, adjust chair, feet flat on floor.
Demonstration: Act out a pivot joint movement.
Turn head side to side (neck).
Scenario: You are moving a box and twist at the waist. What principle did you break?
Avoid twisting; pivot instead.
Scenario: You are reaching across a bed repeatedly. What could go wrong?
Back strain, shoulder strain, long-term injury.
Demonstration: Show a safe way to transfer a patient from bed to wheelchair.
Lock wheels
Adjust bed height
Wide stance
Bend knees
Pivot, don’t twist
Why is carrying a backpack on one shoulder worse than using both straps?
Uneven weight → muscle imbalance and spine strain.
Scenario: You throw a ball — list bones, joints, and muscles used.
Bones: humerus, scapula, radius
Joints: shoulder (ball-and-socket), elbow (hinge)
Muscles: deltoid, biceps, triceps
Describe the difference between “pushing” and “pulling” in terms of safety and control.
Pushing uses body weight and is more controlled; pulling increases back strain and risk of injury.
Explain why keeping a load close reduces strain on your back.
Decreases leverage force on spine → less stress on lower back.
List 4 daily habits that can help prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Stretching
Proper lifting
Ergonomic setup
Reporting pain early
Using teamwork
Name 3 ergonomic adjustments you could make at home, school, or work to prevent injury.
Raise monitor
Adjust chair height
Keep items within reach
Use both backpack straps
Explain why the shoulder joint is prone to injury compared to the elbow.
Greater range of motion → less stability compared to elbow.