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Nurses do not have sufficient training using proper body mechanics to be safe: Nurses are taught proper body mechanics (e.g., wide base of support, bending knees, keeping load close). However, even with correct technique, manual lifting alone is not enough to prevent musculoskeletal injury, especially with heavier or immobile patients.

They reduce the time and number of staff needed to move the patient: Mechanical aids can indeed improve efficiency by reducing the number of staff required to transfer or reposition a patient. However, the primary rationale is staff safety and injury prevention.

Nurses are not as physically fit as they should be: Physical fitness does not guarantee protection from injury during lifting. Even a strong, fit nurse can suffer back injury when manually handling patients, since human lifting capacity is lower than many patient weights. Mechanical aids are necessary regardless of nurse fitness.

Neck hyperextension should be encouraged, particularly in older people: Neck hyperextension can be harmful (risking cervical strain, vertebral artery compromise, or discomfort) and is not routinely encouraged-especially in older adults with cervical spondylosis. Neutral alignment and gentle, controlled movement are preferred.

Exercises should be continued until the patient is fatigued: Exercises that cause fatigue increase risk of injury and discourage participation. ROM is intended to maintain mobility, prevent contractures, and preserve joint health; stop before marked fatigue and allow rest between sets.

Exercises should be done frequently to lessen pain for the patient: Regular movement can reduce stiffness and pain over time, but frequency must be balanced with rest and tolerance. The statement is overly broad and could be unsafe if it encourages doing too many repetitions or exercising into pain.

Hold the cane on the weaker side: The cane should be held in the stronger (unaffected) hand - that is, on the side opposite the weaker leg. Holding it on the stronger side lets the cane provide support and off-load weight from the weaker limb. Holding it on the weak side reduces stability.

Keep the elbow that is holding the cane straight and stiff: The elbow should be slightly flexed (about 20–30°) for proper leverage and comfort. A locked, stiff elbow transmits forces awkwardly and increases risk of discomfort or injury.

Advance the weaker foot ahead of the cane: The safe technique is to move the cane forward (about one small step’s length) and then advance the weaker (affected) leg toward or to the level of the cane; the stronger leg then steps past. Advancing the weaker foot ahead of the cane increases instability and fall risk.

Leaning slightly backward: Leaning backward shifts the nurse’s center of gravity posteriorly and can actually reduce balance or place the nurse at risk of falling backward. It does not widen the base of support; it merely shifts weight and may make the transfer less stable.

Tensing the abdominal muscles: Tensing core muscles improves trunk stability and protects the back, which helps safe body mechanics, but it does not increase the base of support. It’s supportive, not a method of enlarging the BOS.

Bending the knees: Bending the knees lowers the center of gravity and uses leg muscles rather than the back (good body mechanics), which improves stability and reduces injury risk - however it does not increase the width of the base of support.