What it means
Ways of standing and moving that protect the back and joints. They include a wide base of support with feet apart, bending at the hips and knees rather than the waist, keeping the load close to the body, using the large leg muscles, and turning with the feet instead of twisting the spine. Good body mechanics alone cannot make lifting a heavy person safe.
For the nurse
Raise the bed to waist height for care, get help, and use lift equipment and transfer aids as policy requires instead of lifting a client by hand.
Related terms
range of motion
How far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.
ambulate
To walk, or to help a client walk.