Name two assistive devices used to reduce risk of musculoskeletal injury during lifting.

Name two assistive devices used to reduce risk of musculoskeletal injury during lifting.

• A. Mechanical lift (e.g., Hoyer) and slide sheets (or transfer belts).
• B. Crutches and canes.
• C. Disposable gloves and gowns.
• D. Back braces only.

Answer: (A)

Using assistive devices during lifting reduces musculoskeletal injury risk by sharing the load and improving control during patient transfers. A mechanical lift, such as a Hoyer, uses a motor and sling system to raise and move a patient with minimal manual lifting. This keeps the caregiver’s spine in a safer position and greatly lowers the strain on the back, shoulders, and arms. Slide sheets or transfer belts help reposition or transfer a patient with less friction and force. They enable the team to guide movement smoothly, reducing awkward twisting, bending, and heavy lifting, and they make coordinated teamwork easier. Other options don’t address the lifting task. Mobility aids like crutches or canes are for patient ambulation, PPE like gloves and gowns protect against contamination rather than musculoskeletal strain, and relying on a back brace alone doesn’t remove the physical demands of lifting or transfers.

Using assistive devices during lifting reduces musculoskeletal injury risk by sharing the load and improving control during patient transfers.

A mechanical lift, such as a Hoyer, uses a motor and sling system to raise and move a patient with minimal manual lifting. This keeps the caregiver’s spine in a safer position and greatly lowers the strain on the back, shoulders, and arms.

Slide sheets or transfer belts help reposition or transfer a patient with less friction and force. They enable the team to guide movement smoothly, reducing awkward twisting, bending, and heavy lifting, and they make coordinated teamwork easier.

Other options don’t address the lifting task. Mobility aids like crutches or canes are for patient ambulation, PPE like gloves and gowns protect against contamination rather than musculoskeletal strain, and relying on a back brace alone doesn’t remove the physical demands of lifting or transfers.