Mr Winters is a 68-year old gentleman who has right-sided weakness following a stroke.
You notice that Mr Winters has been sitting in his chair for quite a while. He is unable to move himself without assistance following his stroke.
- If you do nothing- You are not alone. Some people may not be aware that by not changing Mr Winter’s position, they are putting him at risk of developing pressure sores, oedema and pain.
- If you assist Mr Winters into bed and position him on his side- Well done by assisting Mr Winters into bed and positioning him on his side will help relieve pressure.
- If you ask him if he is comfortable- Mr Winters says that he is comfortable. It is important to seek patient’s opinion in decisions about themselves however, you discover that Mr Winters has been sitting in the same position for a couple of hours and explain to him that is important that you assist him to change his position. Be aware that even though Mr Winters says he is comfortable factors such as decreased sensation or decreased awareness may mean he is at risk of developing a pressure sore.
Page last reviewed: 26 Mar 2021
