A case manager is assessing an unresponsive client diagnosed with terminal hepatic encephalopathy for equipment needs upon discharge home for hospice care. Which equipment should the case manager obtain for this client?

Prepare for the Hurst Readiness Exam 2 with engaging quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Master your exam with confidence!

The key idea here is preventing pressure ulcers in someone who is immobile and unresponsive. When a patient can’t move, prolonged pressure on bony areas—like the sacrum, heels, and hips—can quickly lead to skin breakdown and ulcers. A device that continuously redistributes pressure helps protect the skin and underlying tissues during a prolonged hospice stay at home.

An alternating pressure mattress is designed to do just that. It periodically changes which areas of the mattress are inflated, reducing sustained pressure on any single point and improving blood flow to at-risk areas. This makes it especially appropriate for long-term use in home hospice care, where maintaining skin integrity is a priority and frequent repositioning may be limited by the patient’s condition.

A hospital bed can be helpful for comfort and positioning, but it doesn’t inherently relieve pressure without a pressure-relieving surface included. A walker isn’t useful for someone who is unresponsive and unable to assist with movement. Suction equipment might be needed in certain situations to manage secretions, but it isn’t the primary equipment to prevent ulcers in this scenario.