You are caring for a patient who is at risk of skin breakdown. What interventions do you expect will be part of the plan of care?

Turning and repositioning a patient frequently is a critical intervention in the prevention of skin breakdown, particularly for those who are at risk, such as individuals with limited mobility or those who are bedridden. This process helps to alleviate pressure on bony prominences where skin breakdown is most likely to occur, redistributing blood flow and reducing the risk of pressure ulcers.

Position changes also facilitate circulation, which is essential for healthy skin and wound healing. It is important to implement a schedule that allows for regular repositioning—typically every two hours—depending on the patient’s condition and the risk factors present. By prioritizing this intervention, caregivers can significantly reduce the chance of skin integrity issues, promote patient comfort, and enhance overall care outcomes.

In contrast, while increasing fluid intake is beneficial for skin health and hydration, it does not directly prevent skin breakdown. Applying topical steroids is typically more relevant for managing specific dermatological conditions rather than preventing pressure ulcers. Limiting patient mobility can actually increase the risk of skin breakdown, as immobility is a primary factor leading to pressure injuries; therefore, encouraging movement or repositioning is preferable.