Final answer:
High risk areas for skin breakdown in sidelying include bony prominences such as the shoulder, hip, knees, and ankles. Repositioning is key to preventing bedsores, especially in elderly patients in long-term care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The high risk areas for skin breakdown in sidelying are those parts of the body where bony prominences are in contact with the supporting surface, leading to reduced blood flow and potential tissue damage. These areas include the shoulder, the lateral aspect of the hip, the knees, and the ankles. Frequent repositioning is essential in patients at risk, such as elderly individuals, to prevent the development of bedsores (also known as pressure sores or decubitis ulcers), especially in long-term care facilities. It's important to remove necrotized tissue from bedsores promptly and effectively to prevent fatal infections.