A patient in a wheelchair has a history of sacral pressure ulcer formation. What instruction should be included in the patient's teaching?
1. Shift the weight every 15 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Sit on a donut.
3. Stay in one position as long as possible.
4. Have a family pull the patient up in the wheelchair.
Correct Answer: 1
The patient should be repositioned every hour. If the patient can move, teach him or her to shift the weight every 15 minutes. Avoid the use of donut devices because they cause a reduction in blood perfusion and contribute to pressure ulcer formation. Sitting uninterrupted in a wheelchair should be avoided. Pulling the patient up in the chair may result in skin shear.
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