Which action best prevents pressure ulcers in immobile patients?

• A. Reposition every 2 hours
• B. Use trapeze
• C. Use pressure reducing device
• D. Shift weight every 15 minutes to every 1 hour if possible

Answer: (A)

Regularly relieving pressure on vulnerable areas is the most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers in patients who cannot move themselves. When someone stays in one position, blood flow to tissues over bony prominences—like the sacrum and heels—drops, leading to tissue damage. Turning the patient at about 2-hour intervals distributes the pressure over different areas, reduces the duration of contact, and helps restore circulation to prevent ischemic injury. This built-in schedule also allows for frequent skin checks to catch early signs of trouble.

Tools that assist movement, like a trapeze, are valuable for safety and reducing friction, but they don’t by themselves keep pressure off the skin across all risk sites. A pressure-reducing device supports the skin and can help, but it works best when combined with regular repositioning. Waiting only 15 minutes to an hour between shifts is not practical for an immobile patient and may not reliably relieve pressure on all critical areas, increasing risk of injury.

In short, a structured turning plan every about 2 hours, along with good skin care and protective positioning, provides the strongest protection against pressure ulcers.