Which choice best reflects an evidence-based approach to skin protection during repositioning?

Which choice best reflects an evidence-based approach to skin protection during repositioning?

• A. Drag the patient across the bed to reposition.
• B. Regular repositioning every two hours, pressure-relieving supports, and minimizing shear.
• C. Move the patient only when a device is available.
• D. Use extra friction to speed up transfers.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is protecting skin by relieving pressure, reducing shear, and using supportive devices during repositioning. Regularly changing position—typically about every two hours for someone who is bed-bound—helps offload pressure from vulnerable areas like the sacrum, heels, hips, and shoulders, so tissue can receive adequate blood flow and oxygen. Using pressure-relieving supports such as specialized mattresses, overlays, or cushions distributes body weight more evenly and lowers the contact pressure at those points, further reducing risk of skin injury. Minimizing shear is also crucial. Shear occurs when the skin stays relatively stationary while the deeper tissues and bone move, or when dragging the patient across bed surfaces. This distorts and damages tissue even if the person is being moved. Employing techniques like lift sheets, turning boards, or mechanical lifts keeps friction and shear to a minimum during repositioning. So, a plan that includes regular repositioning, appropriate pressure-relieving devices, and methods to minimize shear best reflects evidence-based skin protection during repositioning. Conversely, dragging the patient, waiting to move only when a device is available, or adding friction to speed transfers increases skin injury risk.

The key idea is protecting skin by relieving pressure, reducing shear, and using supportive devices during repositioning. Regularly changing position—typically about every two hours for someone who is bed-bound—helps offload pressure from vulnerable areas like the sacrum, heels, hips, and shoulders, so tissue can receive adequate blood flow and oxygen. Using pressure-relieving supports such as specialized mattresses, overlays, or cushions distributes body weight more evenly and lowers the contact pressure at those points, further reducing risk of skin injury.

Minimizing shear is also crucial. Shear occurs when the skin stays relatively stationary while the deeper tissues and bone move, or when dragging the patient across bed surfaces. This distorts and damages tissue even if the person is being moved. Employing techniques like lift sheets, turning boards, or mechanical lifts keeps friction and shear to a minimum during repositioning.

So, a plan that includes regular repositioning, appropriate pressure-relieving devices, and methods to minimize shear best reflects evidence-based skin protection during repositioning. Conversely, dragging the patient, waiting to move only when a device is available, or adding friction to speed transfers increases skin injury risk.