A nurse is providing care for four clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being at risk for the development of pressure ulcers? (Select all that apply.)
A client who has right-sided heart failure and 4+ edema to the lower extremities
A client who is ambulatory following a cardiac catheterization 4 hr ago
A client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and is hyperglycemic
A client who has protein calorie malnutrition
A client who has postoperative delirium
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Rationale:
A. A client with right-sided heart failure and 4+ edema is at risk for pressure ulcers due to fluid accumulation, which can impair circulation and increase the likelihood of skin breakdown.
B. A client who is ambulatory is at a low risk for pressure ulcers because frequent movement reduces the risk of prolonged pressure on any one area.
C. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia is at risk for pressure ulcers because high blood glucose levels can impair wound healing and affect skin integrity.
D. A client with protein-calorie malnutrition is at a significant risk for pressure ulcers due to inadequate nutrition, which weakens the skin and impairs the body’s ability to repair tissue damage.
E. A client with postoperative delirium may have decreased mobility and cognitive awareness, making it harder for them to reposition themselves, thereby increasing their risk of pressure ulcers.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A Stage 1 pressure ulcer is characterized by intact skin with non-blanchable redness; it does not involve any tissue loss or visible subcutaneous tissue, which is present in this case.
B. A Stage 4 pressure ulcer involves full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, muscle, or tendon; while this wound has visible subcutaneous tissue, it does not exhibit the depth or extent associated with Stage 4.
C. A Stage 2 pressure ulcer is defined by partial-thickness skin loss involving the epidermis and possibly the dermis, presenting as a blister or abrasion. This wound shows more depth and visible subcutaneous tissue, which indicates it is deeper than a Stage 2.
D. A Stage 3 pressure ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss, with visible fat and possible slough. The presence of minimal slough and visible subcutaneous tissue in this wound aligns with the characteristics of a Stage 3 ulcer.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Adequate nutrition actually promotes wound healing. Poor nutrition, especially a lack of protein and vitamins, delays healing and increases the risk of infection.
B. Chronic wounds heal better in a moist environment rather than a dry one. Moist wound healing promotes cell migration and prevents scab formation, improving healing.
C. Fat tissue does not heal more rapidly. In fact, it heals more slowly due to decreased vascularization, which impairs oxygen delivery and nutrient supply to the tissue.
D. Long-term steroid use diminishes the body’s inflammatory response, reducing the body's ability to initiate the healing process. This delay in inflammation can lead to slower wound healing and a higher risk of infection.