What is a key strategy in preventing pressure ulcers?

• A. Turn often and use pressure-reducing devices and maintain good hygiene
• B. Keep patient at high altitude to improve oxygenation
• C. Massage area if non-edematous
• D. Use heat therapy on the skin

Answer: (A)

Preventing pressure ulcers hinges on relieving prolonged pressure on vulnerable skin and keeping the skin healthy. Turning the patient regularly, using pressure-reducing devices like specialized mattresses or overlays, and maintaining good hygiene to keep the skin clean and dry are the cornerstone strategies. Regular repositioning relieves continuous occlusion of blood flow to bony prominences, while pressure-relieving surfaces help distribute weight more evenly and reduce sustained pressure. Good hygiene prevents moisture-related skin breakdown and infection, which compounds ulcer risk.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: simply increasing oxygenation by lifting someone to a high altitude isn’t a practical or effective preventive measure for ulcers, and routine massage over areas at risk can damage delicate tissue instead of protecting it. Heat therapy can burn or worsen skin breakdown and is not a preventive strategy for pressure ulcers.