How often should a patient be turned to prevent pressure ulcers if they are restrained?

Turning a patient every two hours is a standard practice to help prevent the formation of pressure ulcers, especially for those who are immobilized or restrained. The primary reason for this frequency is to alleviate the constant pressure exerted on specific areas of the body, particularly those that are bony prominences such as the heels, elbows, hips, and sacrum.

When individuals are unable to move themselves, prolonged pressure on any one area can restrict blood flow, leading to tissue damage and eventually ulcer formation. By repositioning the patient every two hours, it allows for improved circulation, reduces the risk of skin breakdown, and ensures that pressure is distributed across different areas of the body.

Turning a patient more frequently than every two hours might not be necessary for all patients and could be impractical in some care settings. Conversely, waiting longer than two hours to turn a patient, such as every four or six hours, significantly increases the risk of pressure ulcers developing, particularly for those who are sensitive or have existing skin issues. Therefore, adhering to the two-hour interval provides a balanced approach to care that promotes skin integrity and patient comfort.