A staff education nurse is evaluating a group of nurses during a new employee orientation on the use of proper body mechanics when lifting. Which of the following images indicates the appropriate use of ergonomic principles?

Rationale: A. The individual is squatting with the knees bent, back straight, and using a wide base of support while keeping the box close to the body. They are using their leg muscles to initiate the lift while keeping the object close to their body. This posture minimizes strain on the lower back and promotes safe lifting mechanics, which aligns with proper ergonomic principles. B. The individual is standing upright while holding the boxes away from the body. This increases the lever arm and places excessive strain on the lumbar spine, increasing the risk of injury. C. The individual is bending at the waist (twisting the torso) while lifting the boxes onto a surface. Bending at the waist with a rounded back significantly increases pressure on the lumbar vertebrae and is considered unsafe body mechanics. D. The individual is bending at the waist with a curved spine. This focuses all the weight of the object and the upper body onto the small muscles and ligaments of the lower back, rather than the powerful muscles of the legs.