Personal Care Assistants (PCA) Practice Test

A pressure ulcer, often referred to as a bedsore, occurs when sustained pressure on the skin reduces blood flow to the area, particularly in individuals who are immobile. Turning patients regularly, at least every 2 hours during a shift, helps to redistribute pressure across the body, thereby preventing the formation of these ulcers. This practice is essential in maintaining skin integrity and promoting overall health for patients who may be confined to a bed or chair for extended periods.

While pressure points, wounds, or bandages may all be relevant in the context of patient care, it is specifically the pressure ulcer that is directly targeted by the strategy of repositioning patients. By doing so, caregivers reduce the risk factors associated with prolonged pressure that lead to skin breakdown and ulcer development.