Final answer:
The correct answer is to maintain a wide base of support, keep the back straight, and use the leg muscles for lifting heavy objects to prevent injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
When lifting a heavy client or object, the correct procedure for a nurse aide is to maintain a wide base of support, keep the back straight, and use the leg muscles. This approach significantly reduces the force exerted on the spine, which is otherwise about 5.6 times greater than when standing erect. Since the spine is relatively weak compared to our hips, knees, and ankles, using the legs to lift, while keeping the back straight, creates much smaller forces in the back and prevents injury.
To further ensure safety and stability, it's vital to spread the feet apart to provide a larger base of support and to use proper lifting techniques. It is also beneficial to maintain good posture with the center of gravity directly above the pivot point in the hips which helps avoid back strain and damage to disks.