CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant Body Mechanics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When raising a resident up in bed, the CNA should first adjust the bed to:
- The lowest possible position to prevent falls
- A height level with the CNA's waist to reduce back strain (Correct answer)
- The highest position for easier access
- The resident's preferred comfort height
Correct answer: A height level with the CNA's waist to reduce back strain
Raising the bed to waist height allows the CNA to work without bending over, keeping the spine in a neutral position and reducing the risk of back injury.
Question 2: Which foot position provides the widest base of support when performing resident care?
- Feet together, side by side
- One foot slightly in front of the other, shoulder-width apart (Correct answer)
- Feet crossed at the ankles
- Standing on the balls of both feet
Correct answer: One foot slightly in front of the other, shoulder-width apart
Placing one foot slightly in front of the other at shoulder-width creates a wide, stable base of support, lowering the center of gravity and improving balance during care tasks.
Question 3: When a CNA needs to turn a heavy resident in bed, the safest technique is to:
- Twist at the waist and pull the resident toward you
- Stand close to the bed and use body weight and leg muscles to roll the resident (Correct answer)
- Reach across the bed from the opposite side to get better leverage
- Keep feet together and use arm strength only
Correct answer: Stand close to the bed and use body weight and leg muscles to roll the resident
Standing close minimizes the distance weight must travel, and using leg muscles and body weight rather than twisting at the waist protects the CNA's spine from injury.
Question 4: Which is the correct way for a CNA to carry a moderately heavy object across a room?
- Hold it at arm's length in front of the body
- Hold it close to the body near the center of gravity (Correct answer)
- Carry it at shoulder height for visibility
- Hold it to one side to keep the other hand free
Correct answer: Hold it close to the body near the center of gravity
Carrying objects close to the center of gravity reduces the load on spinal muscles and decreases the risk of dropping the object or straining the back.
Question 5: A CNA is about to help a resident stand from a chair. Where should the CNA position their own feet before assisting?
- Together in front of the resident for maximum reach
- Shoulder-width apart with knees slightly bent (Correct answer)
- Behind the resident to guide from the back
- On tiptoe to gain height advantage
Correct answer: Shoulder-width apart with knees slightly bent
A shoulder-width stance with slightly bent knees lowers the center of gravity and engages the leg muscles, allowing the CNA to assist safely without straining the lower back.
Question 6: When it is necessary to push rather than pull a piece of equipment, this is preferred because:
- Pulling uses larger muscle groups than pushing
- Pushing allows the CNA to see obstacles ahead and uses body weight effectively (Correct answer)
- Pulling is harder to control on smooth floors
- Pushing requires less arm strength than pulling
Correct answer: Pushing allows the CNA to see obstacles ahead and uses body weight effectively
Pushing lets the CNA lean forward and use their body weight as force while maintaining forward visibility to avoid obstacles, making it safer and more efficient than pulling.
CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant Body Mechanics 1
When raising a resident up in bed, the CNA should first adjust the bed to: