Which intervention is a primary prevention goal for skin integrity in an older adult at risk for breakdown?

• A. Patients at risk for skin breakdown will be turned every 2 hours.
• B. Patients with pressure ulcers will have whirlpool therapy as indicated.
• C. Patients will be assessed for factors that place them at risk for skin breakdown.
• D. Patients are instructed to change positions in bed every 2 hours to prevent skin breakdown.

Answer: (A)

Preventing skin breakdown starts with removing or reducing pressure on vulnerable areas before any injury occurs. Turning an at-risk older adult every two hours directly relieves pressure on bony prominences like the sacrum, heels, and hips, which prevents tissue ischemia and the development of pressure ulcers. This is a proactive, frontline action that keeps the skin intact.

Assessing risk is important for identifying who needs prevention, but it doesn’t actively stop breakdown by itself. Whirlpool therapy is a treatment for existing ulcers, not a prevention measure. Instructing to change positions in bed is helpful, but the established, precise preventive practice is a scheduled turning plan that consistently relieves pressure.