Final answer:
A nurse should maintain good posture while making an occupied bed, keeping their center of gravity above their hips to avoid back strain. The bed should be kept at a comfortable working height, and the nurse should use their leg muscles for lifting. The client's assistance should be encouraged if possible.
Step-by-step explanation:
To use proper body mechanics while making an occupied bed for a client on bed rest, the nurse should ensure that they maintain good posture throughout the task. Good posture involves standing or sitting in such a way that the nurse's center of gravity is directly above the pivot point in the hips. This positioning helps in avoiding back strain and potential damage to spinal discs. This means the nurse should bend at the knees, keep the back straight, and avoid twisting at the waist while reaching across the bed.
Additionally, the nurse should keep the bed at a comfortable working height, usually at the level of the caregiver's hips or waist, to prevent having to bend over excessively. Using the muscles of the legs for lifting and moving additionally helps in reducing the strain on the back. If possible, the nurse should also encourage the client to assist with the bed-making process as much as they can, as this promotes patient mobility and reduces the physical demands of the task on the caregiver.