What is most important for preventing skin breakdown in a client?

Repositioning the client every 2 hours is a critical intervention in preventing skin breakdown, particularly for individuals who may be immobile or have limited mobility. This practice helps to alleviate pressure on specific areas of the skin, particularly bony prominences where pressure ulcers are most likely to form. By changing the client's position regularly, the blood flow to the area is improved, minimizing the risk of ischemia and subsequent skin damage.

While applying lotion regularly, keeping the skin clean and dry, and using pressure-relieving cushions are also important components of a comprehensive skin care routine, they do not directly address the root cause of pressure ulcers as effectively as regular repositioning does. Keeping the skin clean and dry helps to maintain skin integrity, applying lotion can keep the skin moisturized and prevent dryness, and pressure-relieving cushions can aid in redistributing pressure, but these measures alone may not be sufficient if the client is not moved regularly. Hence, repositioning takes precedence as it actively addresses pressure that contributes to skin breakdown.