How often should a patient be repositioned to prevent bed sores?

Repositioning a patient is crucial in preventing bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers. It is recommended that patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility be repositioned at least every 2 hours. This frequent repositioning helps alleviate pressure on specific areas of the body, particularly those that are bony and vulnerable, such as the heels, sacrum, and elbows. By changing a patient's position regularly, circulation can be improved, and the risk of tissue breakdown due to prolonged pressure is significantly reduced.

While some practices suggest repositioning every hour for high-risk patients, the standard recommendation is every 2 hours for most patients. Options that indicate a longer interval, such as every 4 or 6 hours, do not meet the established guideline for effective prevention of pressure ulcers and could result in skin integrity issues. Therefore, repositioning every 2 hours strikes a balance between effective prevention of bed sores and the practicality of patient care.