The patient is an elderly male with severe kyphosis who is immobile from a stroke several years earlier. He has been admitted for severe dehydration. The nurse must turn the patient frequently to prevent complications of immobility

Question

What does the nurse realize?
a. This patient should be turned onto his back for meals.
b. This patient may have to be turned more frequently than every 2 hours.
c. This patient may be allowed to remain in his favorite position as long as he doesn't complain of discomfort.
d. Skin breakdown is not an issue for this patient.

Answer 1

B
Patients with underlying chronic conditions are at risk for skin breakdown and other hazards of immobility and as a result require more frequent position changes. A patient with severe kyphosis cannot lie supine or is unable to lift an object safely because the center of gravity is not aligned. Cluttered hallways and bedside areas increase the patient's risk for falling. Dehydration or edema may require more frequent position changes because patients are prone to skin breakdown.