How often should patients at high risk for pressure ulcers be repositioned?

Patients at high risk for pressure ulcers should be repositioned at least every two hours to significantly reduce the risk of skin breakdown and pressure ulcer formation. This frequent repositioning helps alleviate pressure on bony prominences, which are most vulnerable to ischemia and tissue damage due to sustained pressure.

Maintaining this two-hour interval is crucial because it promotes blood flow and allows the skin to recover from any pressure that may have been applied during the previous positioning. For individuals who are immobile or have limited mobility, this practice is essential for maintaining tissue integrity and preventing complications associated with pressure ulcers.

Repositioning more frequently than this, while beneficial in some contexts, may not always be feasible or necessary for every patient. For example, intervals like every five hours or once a day are too long and would likely contribute to increased pressure on sensitive areas, risking skin integrity. Every four hours, while better than longer intervals, may still not provide adequate prevention compared to the recommended two-hour repositioning standard.