Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What is a key responsibility of a nurse aide when assisting residents with mobility?

1. Encouraging independence

2. Maintaining resident privacy

3. Using proper body mechanics

4. Only assisting if requested

The correct answer is: Using proper body mechanics

Using proper body mechanics is crucial for a nurse aide when assisting residents with mobility. Proper body mechanics involves using the body's natural strength and alignment to prevent injury to both the aide and the resident during movement. This means bending at the knees instead of the waist, keeping a wide base of support, and using the legs to lift rather than the back. By adhering to these principles, the nurse aide minimizes the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and ensures the safety and comfort of the resident during transfers or mobilization. Other aspects like encouraging independence, maintaining privacy, and only assisting if requested are important too, but they do not specifically focus on the physical safety and effectiveness of the mobility assistance provided. Encouragement of independence fosters self-sufficiency, privacy is vital for dignity, and assistance only when requested promotes autonomy, but these factors do not address the mechanical safety that proper body mechanics provides.