How often should residents be repositioned to prevent pressure injuries?

• A. Only when resident complains.
• B. Every four hours.
• C. Once per shift.
• D. Approximately every two hours.

Answer: (D)

Relieving constant pressure on vulnerable body areas by repositioning helps restore blood flow and prevent tissue damage. Repositioning residents approximately every two hours is the standard practice to relieve pressure on bony prominences like the heels, sacrum, and hips, reducing the risk of pressure injuries for immobile individuals. Waiting for a complaint is too reactive—pressure injuries can begin without noticeable pain, and delaying turns increases risk. Turning once per shift or only when the resident complains leaves too long a period with sustained pressure, and four hours between turns is typically not enough to prevent issues. If a resident is at very high risk or has skin problems, more frequent adjustments may be needed, but the two-hour baseline is the common guideline.