How can proper body mechanics help prevent injuries to the CNA?

Proper body mechanics are crucial for maintaining the safety and well-being of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) while performing tasks like lifting and transferring patients. The focus of proper body mechanics is to minimize the risk of strain, especially on the back and other muscles, during these physically demanding activities.

When a CNA employs good body mechanics, they align their body correctly while performing movements, using their legs for strength instead of their back, and maintaining a stable center of gravity. This technique greatly reduces the likelihood of injuries such as muscle strains or sprains, which can occur from improper lifting techniques or awkward body positions.

The other options touch on important aspects but do not fully encapsulate the primary benefit of proper body mechanics. For instance, while using proper tools for lifting is beneficial, it is not the central focus of body mechanics. Similarly, the idea of quicker movements can compromise safety if not paired with appropriate techniques, and encouraging frequent breaks is a good strategy for reducing fatigue but does not directly relate to the prevention of injuries through the application of body mechanics.