Which device reduces pressure on bony prominences?

• A. Elastic bandage
• B. Pillows
• C. Pressure reducing device
• D. Heat therapy

Answer: (C)

Reducing pressure on bony prominences is about redistributing body weight to prevent high-pressure points that cut off blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues. A pressure-reducing device is designed to do exactly this, often as a specialized mattress or pad that contours to the body and spreads contact over a larger area. This type of device can use foam, gel, or air to lower peak pressures and maintain better tissue perfusion, sometimes even with alternating pressures to continuously re-distribute load.

Elastic bandages mainly provide compression and support rather than systematic pressure offloading. Pillows can cushion or elevate certain areas but don’t reliably redistribute pressure across all vulnerable bony prominences. Heat therapy increases blood flow but does not address the need to relieve sustained pressure on prominences. Thus, a pressure-reducing device best achieves the goal of preventing pressure-related tissue damage.