Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

Bed Rest

  • Complete bed rest is not recommended for the prevention and healing of pressure ulcers
  • Determine the rationale for bed rest and focus on getting the client up into an appropriate wheelchair for part of the day, as appropriate
  • An appropriate wheelchair is one that has been prescribed by an occupational or physical therapist and recently reviewed by the therapist
  • When considering prevention and management of pressure ulcers, evaluate all surfaces upon which the client sits or lays, the transfers to and from these surfaces, and the repositioning techniques and equipment used on these surfaces in terms of pressure, friction and shear
Clinical Management
Risk Assessment and Prevention of Pressure Ulcers
Point of Care Resources