A young male patient who is a paraplegic has a stage II sacral pressure ulcer and is being cared for at home by his mother. To prevent further tissue damage, what instructions are most important for the nurse to teach the mother?
a. Change the patient's bedding frequently.
b. Use a hydrocolloid dressing over the ulcer.
c. Record the size and appearance of the ulcer weekly.
d. Change the patient's position at least every 2 hours.
ANS: D
The most important intervention is to avoid prolonged pressure on bony prominences by frequent repositioning. The other interventions may also be included in family teaching, but the most important instruction is to change the patient's position at least every 2 hours.
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