Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations to enhance your readiness for the exam day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


How can you effectively manage shear in patients in a chair?

  1. By allowing them to cross their legs

  2. By positioning feet flat on the floor

  3. By elevating the seat height

  4. By restricting movement

The correct answer is: By positioning feet flat on the floor

Positioning the feet flat on the floor is an effective strategy for managing shear in patients seated in a chair. When a patient's feet are flat on the floor, it creates a stable base that helps to distribute weight evenly. This positioning reduces the tendency for the body to slide forward, which can lead to increased friction and shear forces against the skin, particularly at the sacral area. Proper alignment of the body and a stable base help maintain optimal posture, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers, particularly in vulnerable populations. Crossing legs or elevating the seat height can destabilize the body and potentially lead to increased pressure points and shear. While restricting movement could sound like a precaution to minimize shear forces, in practice, it can lead to discomfort and may encourage patients to adjust their position in ways that might inadvertently increase shear. Therefore, ensuring that feet are flat on the floor supports stability and aligns with best practices in pressure injury prevention.