Question

What should the nurse instruct a patient in a wheelchair to do to decrease risk for pressure ulcers?

a. Use a ring pillow on the seat of the chair.
b. Lift the weight of the body using the arms of the wheelchair every 15 minutes.
c. Scoot forward and back in the seat to stimulate circulation.
d. Wear underwear that holds moisture close to skin.

Answer 1

To prevent pressure ulcers, a patient in a wheelchair should lift their body weight using their arms every 15 minutes to redistribute pressure and promote blood circulation. They should avoid using ring pillows, scooting in the seat, and wearing moisture-retaining underwear.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prevention of Pressure Ulcers for Wheelchair Users

To decrease the risk for pressure ulcers, a nurse should instruct a patient in a wheelchair to lift the weight of their body using the arms of the wheelchair every 15 minutes. This practice helps to redistribute pressure and stimulate blood flow to areas at risk for ulceration. Using a ring pillow is not recommended as it can actually increase pressure on some areas.

It is also important to avoid scooting forward and back as this can cause shear forces which might damage the skin. Additionally, wearing moisture-retaining underwear should be avoided because it can create a damp environment that may contribute to skin breakdown.