By performing which of the following actions can a nurse increase the base of support?

Correct option is B

Increasing the base of support is a fundamental principle of body mechanics used to enhance stability and prevent falls or injuries. Spacing the feet farther apart provides a wider foundation, which improves balance during movement or when lifting patients. This technique distributes body weight more evenly and lowers the center of gravity, promoting safer body posture and strength.
Explanation of options: (a) Leaning slightly backward – This action may actually reduce stability and increase the risk of losing balance. It shifts the center of gravity behind the base of support rather than widening it. (b) Spacing the feet farther apart – This is the correct answer. It increases the area of the base of support, enhancing stability. This is a standard recommendation in nursing ergonomics and safe patient handling. (c) Tensing the abdominal muscles – While it helps in stabilizing the core and supporting the spine, it does not change the width of the base of support. It's a supportive action, not a positional adjustment. (d) Bending the knees – This aids in lowering the center of gravity and proper body mechanics during lifting, but it does not directly increase the base of support unless accompanied by wider foot placement.