Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

What should a nursing assistant do to properly assist a resident in sitting up or walking?

1. Bend her knees

2. Lift with her back

3. Pull the resident up by their arms

4. Stand with her legs shoulder-width apart

The correct answer is: Bend her knees

To properly assist a resident in sitting up or walking, maintaining proper body mechanics is crucial to ensure both the safety of the nursing assistant and the resident. Standing with the legs shoulder-width apart provides a stable base of support, which is essential when engaging in lifting or assisting movements. This stance allows the nursing assistant to effectively use their leg muscles for strength, enabling better balance and support during the activity. Using the legs rather than the back helps prevent strain or injury to the nursing assistant, while also ensuring that the resident is safely supported. Proper body positioning helps to control the movement of the resident, minimizing the risk of falls or discomfort during the transition. Therefore, standing with legs shoulder-width apart is key to executing the task safely and effectively.