Question

Although the patient's skin is currently healthy, the patient's diabetes and limited mobility put this patient at a high risk for developing pressure ulcers. As a preventive measure, the nurse should place a pillow under the calves of the patient to elevate the heels to reduce the risk of heel breakdown. Such patients should be positioned at a 30-degree lateral, not medial, turn position to avoid typical at-risk pressure points. The nurse should use higher-specification foam mattresses rather than standard hospital foam mattresses. Alternating pressure support surfaces are needed for patients who already have ulcers. These are not necessary for this patient

To prevent pressure ulcers in a patient with diabetes and limited mobility, what nursing measure is recommended?

a) Placing a pillow under the calves to elevate the heels
b) Using a 30-degree medial turn position
c) Opting for standard hospital foam mattresses
d) Providing alternating pressure support surfaces

Answer 1

The nursing measure recommended for preventing pressure ulcers in a patient with diabetes and limited mobility is to place a pillow under the calves to elevate the heels option (a), and position the patient in a 30-degree lateral turn position.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent pressure ulcers in a patient with diabetes and limited mobility, the recommended nursing measure is a) Placing a pillow under the calves to elevate the heels. This action will reduce the risk of heel breakdown by alleviating pressure on the heels. Patients at high risk for pressure ulcers should avoid staying in one position and should especially avoid pressure on bony areas of the body.

It is also recommended to position such patients at a 30-degree lateral turn position, rather than a medial turn, to evenly distribute weight and minimize pressure on at-risk areas. While higher-specification foam mattresses are advised over standard hospital foam mattresses for additional support and comfort, alternating pressure support surfaces are specifically needed for patients who already have ulcers, which is not the case for this patient at the moment.