Final answer:
High-risk areas for skin breakdown in the prone position include the forehead, cheeks, shoulders, elbows, chest, hips, knees, and toes. Bedsores can develop from prolonged pressure in these areas, and rotating patient positions is crucial for prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The high-risk areas for skin breakdown in the prone position are typically those where bony prominences come into contact with the support surface, such as the forehead, cheeks, shoulders, elbows, chest (especially for females), hips, knees, and toes. These are areas where bedsores, also called decubitis ulcers, can develop due to constant, long-term, unrelieved pressure. Most medical facilities implement practices like turning patients every few hours to prevent these sores. Untreated bedsores can lead to serious complications, including fatal infections if they progress to necrotic tissue and are not properly managed.