ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

To reduce back strain when moving heavy objects, what should a radiographer do?

1. Hold the object away from the body

2. Bend at the waist and pull

3. Pull the object

4. Push the object

The correct answer is: Push the object

To effectively reduce back strain when moving heavy objects, a radiographer should prioritize pushing the object rather than pulling it. Pushing allows for the use of body weight to assist in the movement, distributing the load more evenly and minimizing strain on the back muscles. This technique takes advantage of the stronger leg muscles rather than relying primarily on the back, thereby promoting better posture and stability during the action. When pushing, the radiographer can maintain a neutral spine, keeping the load closer to the body and allowing for better alignment and balance. This not only reduces the risk of injury but can also make it easier to maneuver the object across the floor. In contrast, holding an object away from the body increases the leverage against the spine, while bending at the waist can compromise alignment and increase the risk of back strain. Pulling an object similarly increases the risk of injury because it requires more effort from the back muscles and can lead to awkward positions that are detrimental to spinal health. Thus, pushing is the most effective and safest method for the radiographer to transport heavy items.