How should you respond to turning and repositioning a patient for comfort and skin integrity?

• A. Only adjust the head of bed.
• B. Move quickly without telling the resident.
• C. Reposition only when the resident complains of pain.
• D. Use a draw sheet to reduce friction; move smoothly; align spine; recheck for pressure points.

Answer: (D)

Turning and repositioning should minimize friction and shear, protect the spine, and prevent pressure injuries. Using a draw sheet helps slide the resident with less skin friction, reducing shear on the skin during movement. Move smoothly and slowly rather than with quick or jerky motions to keep tissues from tearing or bruising and to ease comfort. Align the spine during repositioning to maintain proper body mechanics and support. After repositioning, recheck for pressure points and adjust cushions or positions to relieve any high-pressure areas on bony prominences. The other options miss key safety steps: only adjusting the head of the bed doesn’t address overall repositioning and skin protection; moving quickly without telling the resident violates safety and dignity; waiting for pain to reposition is reactive and can allow skin breakdown to develop.