Many patient care activities require the nurse to push, pull, lift, and carry. By using proper body mechanics, you can avoid musculoskeletal injury and fatigue and reduce the risk for injuring patients.

Correct body mechanics can be summed up in three principles: First, keep a low center of gravity by flexing the hips and knees instead of bending at the waist. This position distributes weight evenly between the upper and lower body and helps maintain balance. Second, create a wide base of support by spreading the feet apart. This tactic provides lateral stability and lowers the body’s center of gravity. Third, maintain proper body alignment and keep the body’s center of gravity directly over the base of support by moving the feet rather than twisting and bending at the waist. Keep the back, neck, pelvis, and feet aligned.