During patient care activities, nurses frequently encounter situations where they must lift or move patients. To prevent injury to both themselves and their patients, it is crucial to incorporate ergonomic principles into their routine. One important ergonomic principle to remember is the use of body mechanics to ensure safe lifting techniques. For instance, when lifting a patient from the bed to a wheelchair, nurses should use their legs instead of their back.
Fill in the blank: When lifting a patient, the nurse should keep their feet at a distance of _______ apart to maintain balance and stability.