In preventive care, which statement best describes the approach in non-acute settings?

• A. Focus solely on wound care after ulcers develop
• B. Increase bed rest to reduce movement
• C. Use barrier creams exclusively
• D. Pressure redistribution via devices and proper positioning

Answer: (D)

Preventing pressure injuries in non-acute settings hinges on distributing pressure away from vulnerable areas and maintaining good positioning. Using pressure redistribution devices such as specialty mattresses and cushions, along with regular repositioning, offloads load from bony prominences and reduces shear, helping maintain adequate tissue perfusion and prevent ulcers before they form. In contrast, waiting to treat ulcers after they develop is reactive, increasing bed rest isn’t an effective preventive strategy and can lead to other complications, and barrier creams alone protect skin from moisture but don’t address the fundamental issue of sustained pressure.