A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about maintaining correct posture when transferring clients. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. Tilting the head toward the chest misaligns the cervical spine and shifts the center of gravity forward, increasing the risk of strain. Proper body mechanics require keeping the head erect and the neck in a neutral position to maintain spinal equilibrium during heavy lifting. Poor head positioning can lead to secondary muscle tension in the trapezius and upper back muscles. B. Keeping the knees straight causes the nurse to bend at the waist, which places the entire load on the small muscles of the lower back. This posture significantly increases the risk of vertebral disc herniation and musculoskeletal injury. Nurses must flex their knees and hips to lower their center of gravity and utilize the powerful gluteal and quadriceps muscles for movement. C. Keeping the back straight ensures that the spine remains in neutral alignment, allowing the weight of the load to be distributed evenly across the vertebral discs. This position prevents the shearing forces that occur when the spine is curved or twisted under pressure. Maintaining a straight back is a fundamental principle of safe patient handling that protects the nurse from chronic lumbar injuries. D. Loosening the abdominal muscles leaves the lower spine unsupported during a transfer, increasing the likelihood of injury. Tightening the abdominal muscles, often called "bracing," creates internal core stability and protects the lumbar region from excessive strain. A strong, engaged core act as a natural corset that stabilizes the trunk while the legs perform the actual lifting work.