Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Principles and Practices of Rehabilitation Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Principles and Practices of Rehabilitation related questions and content

You are the nurse caring for an elderly adult who is bedridden. What intervention would you include in the care plan that would most effectively prevent pressure ulcers?

  • A. Turn and reposition the patient a minimum of every 8 hours.
  • B. Vigorously massage lotion into bony prominences.
  • C. Post a turning schedule at the patients bedside and ensure staff adherence.
  • D. Slide, rather than lift, the patient when turning.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A turning schedule with a signing sheet will help ensure that the patient gets turned and, thus, help prevent pressure ulcers. Turning should occur every 1 to 2 hours, not every 8 hours, for patients who are in bed for prolonged periods. The nurse should apply lotion to keep the skin moist, but should avoid vigorous massage, which could damage capillaries. When moving the patient, the nurse should lift, rather than slide, the patient to avoid shearing.