Final answer:
When lifting or turning patients, your legs should be spread comfortably apart, around 8 diameters of your feet, with knees slightly bent for stability. This stance helps maintain an erect back and uses the strong muscles of the legs, reducing strain on the weaker spine and minimizing the risk of injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
When lifting or turning patients, it is crucial to maintain proper body mechanics to protect your spine. Since our spines are relatively weak, improper lifting can create forces up to 5.6 times greater than those experienced when standing erect. To reduce the strain on your back, your legs should be a certain distance apart for increased stability.
Stability is improved by widening your base of support and lowering your center of gravity. For example, a football player spreads their feet apart and bends their knees to prepare for impact. Following this principle, when lifting or turning patients, your feet should be spread apart to a comfortable width. While an older "rule of thumb" suggested 5 diameters side-to-side, newer recommendations advocate for as much as 8 diameters side-to-side for stability. Additionally, bending the knees can effectively lower your center of gravity, further stabilizing your stance.
Therefore, when lifting or turning patients, ensure your feet are apart comfortably, around 8 diameters, with your knees slightly bent to maintain an erect back while using your legs to raise the body and load. This approach will help minimize the forces exerted on your spine and reduce the risk of injury.