CHT CHT Body Mechanics, Ergonomics & Physical Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When pushing a wheelchair with a patient, a transporter should maintain which posture?
- Bent at the waist with arms extended far forward
- Upright spine, knees slightly bent, hands at a comfortable grip height (Correct answer)
- Leaning heavily on the wheelchair handles for support
- Arms locked straight with shoulders raised
Correct answer: Upright spine, knees slightly bent, hands at a comfortable grip height
Maintaining an upright spine with slightly bent knees reduces lumbar strain and allows controlled, safe propulsion of the wheelchair.
Question 2: What is the MOST common work-related injury among hospital transporters?
- Cuts and lacerations
- Musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the lower back (Correct answer)
- Hearing loss from equipment noise
- Chemical burns from cleaning agents
Correct answer: Musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the lower back
Repetitive lifting, pushing, and repositioning of patients puts transporters at high risk for lower back and musculoskeletal injuries.
Question 3: Before lifting a patient or heavy equipment, a transporter should FIRST:
- Begin the lift quickly to reduce the duration of exertion
- Assess the load, clear the path, and position their body correctly (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to assist by pushing themselves up
- Hold their breath to stabilize the core
Correct answer: Assess the load, clear the path, and position their body correctly
Pre-lift assessment of the load and environment, combined with proper body positioning, significantly reduces injury risk.
Question 4: The power zone for lifting is best described as:
- The area above shoulder height where leverage is greatest
- The zone between mid-thigh and mid-chest where the body can exert the most force safely (Correct answer)
- The area below the knees where the core is most engaged
- Any position where the load is held with extended arms
Correct answer: The zone between mid-thigh and mid-chest where the body can exert the most force safely
The power zone (mid-thigh to mid-chest) allows the strongest and safest lifting posture by keeping the load close to the body's center of gravity.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of proper body mechanics when moving a gurney?
- Pulling the gurney from behind while twisting the torso
- Pushing the gurney while keeping the back straight and using leg muscles (Correct answer)
- Reaching across the gurney to push from the opposite side
- Locking the elbows and using the shoulders to propel the gurney
Correct answer: Pushing the gurney while keeping the back straight and using leg muscles
Pushing with a straight back and engaging leg muscles distributes force efficiently and reduces spinal stress during gurney transport.
Question 6: A transporter is asked to move a bariatric patient but feels the task may exceed safe lifting limits. The CORRECT response is to:
- Attempt the transfer alone to avoid delaying care
- Request additional personnel and use appropriate bariatric equipment before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to move themselves to avoid injury risk
- Decline the task entirely without further communication
Correct answer: Request additional personnel and use appropriate bariatric equipment before proceeding
Bariatric transfers require additional team members and specialized equipment to protect both the patient and the transporter from injury.
CHT CHT Body Mechanics, Ergonomics & Physical Safety 1
When pushing a wheelchair with a patient, a transporter should maintain which posture?