California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

A significant benefit of using proper body mechanics in patient care is:

1. Reducing strain on the CNA’s body

2. Aiding the resident's mobility

3. Making tasks more complex

4. Increasing the time spent on transfers

The correct answer is: Reducing strain on the CNA’s body

Using proper body mechanics in patient care primarily focuses on minimizing physical strain and injury risk for healthcare providers while performing their duties. By utilizing techniques such as bending at the knees instead of the waist, keeping the load close to the body, and using the legs to lift rather than the back, a CNA can protect their own body from unnecessary stress and fatigue. This approach not only promotes the physical well-being of the CNA but also enhances their ability to efficiently care for residents. When healthcare professionals maintain good body mechanics, they are less likely to suffer injuries, leading to improved work performance and continuity of care for residents. The practice ultimately safeguards the health of the caregivers, allowing them to provide better care over time without the interruption that injuries might cause. The other options do not accurately capture the primary advantage of proper body mechanics within this context. While aiding a resident's mobility is relevant to overall patient care, it does not address the specific benefit to the CNA’s health and safety. Making tasks more complex runs counter to the intent of using body mechanics effectively, as these techniques aim to simplify the tasks at hand. Additionally, increasing the time spent on transfers is a disadvantage rather than a benefit of proper body mechanics, as efficient techniques are designed to streamline such processes.