Ace the NCLEX 2025 – Hit the Books and Nail That Nursing Badge!

Image Description

Question: 1 / 400

How often should a patient be repositioned to prevent pressure ulcers?

Every 30 minutes

Hourly

Every two hours

Repositioning a patient every two hours is the standard recommendation for preventing pressure ulcers. This interval is considered effective in relieving pressure on vulnerable areas of the body, such as the heels, sacrum, and elbows, which are more susceptible to injury due to prolonged immobility.

Maintaining this schedule helps to improve blood circulation and reduces the risk of tissue ischemia, which is a primary factor in the development of pressure ulcers. This is particularly important for patients who have limited mobility or are confined to bed.

While more frequent repositioning, such as every 30 minutes or hourly, may provide additional prevention, it is not always practical or necessary for all patients. Repositioning every four hours would likely increase the risk of skin breakdown and is generally not sufficient to maintain skin integrity in at-risk patients. Therefore, every two hours strikes a balance between effective pressure redistribution and practical nursing care.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Every four hours

Next Question

Report this question

Download NCLEX Practice Test PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy