Final answer:
Proper patient positioning promotes comfort and relaxation and helps prevent skin breakdown, contractures, circulation problems, and pressure ulcers by reducing excessive pressure on bony areas of the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proper positioning of a patient always aims to promote comfort and relaxation while helping to prevent skin breakdown and contractures. Positioning can help in avoiding complications such as circulation problems and pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores). Bedsores are the result of constant pressure on bony areas of the body, leading to reduced blood flow and tissue necrosis. They are particularly common in immobile elderly patients. By frequently repositioning patients to eliminate pressure points, the incidence of bedsores can be significantly reduced. Positioning is an essential aspect of patient care, particularly in the prevention of complications that could lead to serious health issues.