The patient is an elderly man who has just been admitted for a probable cerebrovascular accident.The patient is nonverbal and does not respond to requests but is able to turn himself in bed.The nurse notices that the patient likes to lie on his right side,and soon after being turned by the nursing staff,the patient turns back to his right side.The nurse in this case should:

A) allow the patient to lie on his right side continuously because he seems comfortable.
B) prevent the patient from lying on his right side until he no longer wishes to lie on that side.
C) frequently assess the patient and turn him more frequently.
D) allow the patient to lie on his right side until a pressure ulcer develops and he can no longer lie on that side.

Question

Alexis Galeno · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  Patients who have maintained bed rest for a long time may revert back to a favorite position.Frequently assess these patients,and turn them more often as needed.Not turning them places them at greater risk for complications of immobility.Not allowing the patient to lie on his preferred side limits the number of sides available for turning and decreases patient comfort.The purpose of assessment and turning is to prevent complications of immobility.

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