How often should a client shift positions to prevent skin breakdown?

• A. Every 15 minutes
• B. Every 2 hours
• C. Every 30 minutes
• D. Every 60 minutes

Answer: (A)

Relieving pressure to protect tissue perfusion is the key idea. Skin breakdown happens when a surface presses on the same area for too long, cutting off blood flow and causing damage, especially over bony prominences or in moist skin. For a client who cannot move themselves and is staying in a position that continuously loads one area, shifting position every 15 minutes keeps pressure from staying on any one spot long enough to cause ischemia. Small, frequent movements also help reduce shear and moisture buildup that contribute to ulcers.

Longer intervals between shifts—such as every 30 minutes, every 60 minutes, or every 2 hours—allow more time for tissue compression, increasing the risk of breakdown. So, in the scenario focused on preventing skin breakdown for an immobile client, shifting every 15 minutes is the most protective approach.