To avoid injury, which of the following actions is recommended?

Using proper body mechanics is essential for preventing injury when moving or handling residents. Proper body mechanics involves using the body's natural strengths and leveraging your own center of gravity when lifting or moving individuals, ensuring that you remain stable and reduce the risk of strain or injury.

Additionally, informing residents about what you are going to do not only fosters trust and ensures their cooperation but also prepares them for movements, making the process smoother and safer.

Avoiding reaching also plays a critical role in injury prevention. Reaching can lead to awkward postures that could easily result in muscle strain or loss of balance.

Recognizing the importance of all these measures in combination—using proper body mechanics, avoiding reaching, and communicating with residents—highlights a comprehensive approach to safety and injury prevention in caregiving scenarios. Each action is integral to creating a safer environment, which is why the combined choice is the best approach.