Final answer:
The nurse aide should use proper body mechanics by keeping the back straight and using leg strength to lift, minimizing forces on the spine. Maintaining good posture and aligning the body's center of gravity over the support base is also critical for safe lifting practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
When lifting, the nurse aide should use proper body mechanics to prevent injury, particularly to the back area, which is susceptible because our spines are relatively weak. The force on the back muscles when lifting incorrectly is about 5.6 times greater than it would be if the person was standing erect. Therefore, correct lifting technique entails keeping the back straight and using the strength of the legs to lift, which significantly reduces the forces exerted on the back muscles and spine. It is also important to maintain good posture, ensuring the body's center of gravity is aligned over the base of support.
As illustrated in the provided examples, when a person lifts a heavy object with a bent back, the force required by the back muscles is considerably higher, and the force exerted on the vertebrae can be calculated based on the mass of the object and the lifter's upper body. Engaging in safe lifting practices is essential for anyone in the healthcare field to protect themselves from potential long-term injuries.