HAS 110 – Patient Movement Fundamentals Practice Exam

Relieving pressure on the skin of immobile patients is essential to protect tissue and prevent ulcers. Repositioning on a regular schedule, typically every two hours, helps ensure that no single area bears weight long enough to cut off blood flow. This regular turnover gives compressed tissues time to reperfuse and start healing, especially over bony prominences like the sacrum, heels, hips, and elbows.

Using pressure-relieving supports—specialty mattresses, overlays, or cushions—distributes body weight more evenly and lowers peak pressures, further protecting vulnerable regions. When turning or repositioning, always aim to minimize shear: lift the patient or use draw sheets and sliding devices instead of pulling them across the bed, which can drag skin and underlying tissues and cause damage.

Skin care is important, but lotion alone does not prevent pressure injuries; it should complement, not replace, repositioning and the use of pressure-relieving surfaces. Restraining movement or limiting activity is harmful and increases risk of skin breakdown and other complications.

If a patient is particularly high risk, the care plan may require more frequent repositioning or additional surface support, but the core practice remains regular turns, appropriate supports, and careful handling to minimize shear.