Residential Care and Assisted Living (RCAL) Administrator Practice Exam

Maintaining proper posture when lifting objects is crucial for preventing injury and ensuring safety. The correct approach is to keep the lower back in a neutral position, which involves engaging the core muscles while maintaining the natural curve of the spine. This means when lowering an object, one should avoid bowing the lower back, as this can lead to strain and injury.

The correct answer emphasizes keeping the lower back appropriately aligned. By doing this, it helps to distribute the weight evenly across the body and utilizes the strength of the legs, which are more capable of handling heavy loads than the back. This approach minimizes the risk of back injuries and promotes better lifting techniques.

In contrast, keeping the feet together and bending from the waist can lead to instability and increased strain on the lower back. Relying solely on upper body strength ignores the advantages of using the legs, which are stronger and better equipped for lifting. Lastly, while pivoting motions can be useful for repositioning the body during a lift, it may not directly relate to the basic principles of posture and lifting technique. Therefore, the emphasis on maintaining a neutral lower back reflects the essential practice of safe lifting.