Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

How often should the Nurse Aid turn and reposition a client in bed to prevent pressure ulcers?

1. Every hour

2. Every two hours

3. Every three hours

4. Every four hours

The correct answer is: Every two hours

The most appropriate answer for how often a nurse aide should turn and reposition a client in bed to prevent pressure ulcers is every two hours. This practice is crucial because it helps to relieve pressure on the skin and underlying tissues, particularly over bony areas. Prolonged pressure can impede blood flow, causing ischemia and eventually leading to tissue breakdown, which manifests as pressure ulcers. Turning and repositioning clients at regular intervals, such as every two hours, significantly reduces the risk of these injuries, especially for those who are immobile or have limited mobility. This guideline is widely recommended in nursing practice and is supported by evidence-based protocols for skin care and pressure injury prevention. More frequent repositioning, such as every hour, might be indicated in certain high-risk situations or specific facilities, but for standard care, the two-hour interval strikes an effective balance between preventing pressure points and allowing for adequate rest.