To reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers, which action is most effective during patient care?

• A. Increase turning frequency
• B. Keep patient motionless
• C. Increase analgesia
• D. Increase immobilization

Answer: (A)

Regularly repositioning a patient to relieve pressure on bony areas is the most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers. When someone sits or lies with constant pressure on a spot, the blood flow to that tissue can be cut off, leading to tissue damage. By turning or repositioning, you change where the weight is borne, allowing previously compressed areas to receive blood again and giving skin and underlying tissues a chance to recover. This also helps reduce shear and friction that can wear away skin.

Keeping the patient motionless keeps the same areas under heavy load, increasing the risk of ulcers. Increasing analgesia doesn’t remove the physical pressure on the skin, so it doesn’t prevent ulcers. Increasing immobilization makes the problem worse by fixing the body in one position and maintaining high pressure on vulnerable points.