Which of the following practices should be avoided when lifting a patient?

Twisting your body while lifting is a practice that should indeed be avoided when lifting a patient. When a person twists their body during a lift, it increases the risk of injury to the spine and surrounding muscles. The lumbar spine is particularly vulnerable to strain when subjected to twisting motions combined with the weight of a patient. Instead, safe lifting techniques emphasize keeping the body aligned and using the legs to perform the lift, which helps to distribute the weight evenly and reduces the strain on the back.

Maintaining a straight back while lifting is essential as it promotes proper posture and alignment, reducing the chance of injury. Bending the knees is also a critical component of safe lifting techniques, as it allows the strength of the leg muscles to be utilized effectively. Finally, using the legs to lift rather than relying on the back helps to enhance both safety and efficiency during patient handling.