Question

All of the following are guidelines to prevent pressure ulcers, EXCEPT

A. Position the patient at a 30-45 degree oblique angle when side-lying
B. Use a donut-type cushion when seated in wheelchair
C. Elevate the head of the bed to no greater than 30 degrees when the patient is supine
D. Encourage frequent position changes at least every 2 hours in bed, every hour while seated, and every 15 minutes if the patient can move himself

Answer 1

To prevent pressure ulcers, patients should be repositioned regularly, with the head of the bed elevated no more than 30 degrees, and avoiding the use of donut-type cushions which can exacerbate pressure issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

Guidelines to Prevent Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitis ulcers, are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. They often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone. To prevent pressure ulcers, healthcare providers recommend a variety of measures.

• Position the patient at a 30-45 degree oblique angle when side-lying to minimize pressure on vulnerable sites.
• Elevate the head of the bed to no greater than 30 degrees when the patient is supine to prevent sliding and shear forces.
• Encourage frequent position changes; at least every 2 hours in bed, every hour while seated, and every 15 minutes if the patient can move independently.

The one guideline not recommended is the use of a donut-type cushion when seated in a wheelchair. This type of cushion can actually create more pressure around the edges of the opening, potentially worsening or causing pressure ulcers.