What is a standard measure to prevent pressure ulcers?

What is a standard measure to prevent pressure ulcers?

• A. Change position frequently
• B. Keep resident in one position
• C. Delay meals
• D. Ignore hydration

Answer: (A)

Relieving pressure on the skin by repositioning the resident is the standard way to prevent pressure ulcers. When a person remains in one position, constant pressure reduces blood flow to areas like the heels, sacrum, and hips, leading to tissue breakdown. Turning and changing positions regularly (for example, every two hours for many residents) helps restore circulation, reduces prolonged pressure, and gives the skin a chance to recover. The other options don’t provide this essential relief of pressure: staying in one position keeps the same areas pressed, delaying meals can deprive the skin of needed nutrients for repair, and ignoring hydration can dry and weaken skin, making ulcers more likely.

Relieving pressure on the skin by repositioning the resident is the standard way to prevent pressure ulcers. When a person remains in one position, constant pressure reduces blood flow to areas like the heels, sacrum, and hips, leading to tissue breakdown. Turning and changing positions regularly (for example, every two hours for many residents) helps restore circulation, reduces prolonged pressure, and gives the skin a chance to recover.

The other options don’t provide this essential relief of pressure: staying in one position keeps the same areas pressed, delaying meals can deprive the skin of needed nutrients for repair, and ignoring hydration can dry and weaken skin, making ulcers more likely.