Question

The nurse is evaluating the following four clients for the development of a pressure ulcer. Which of client is at greatest risk for the development of a pressure ulcer?

1.     A 74-year-old thin male, who is awaiting surgery for a fractured left hip.

2.     A 52-year-old obese female, 2 days’ post-op for a knee replacement, who has an indwelling urinary catheter.

3.     A 91-year-old emaciated female with a blood sugar of 160mg/dl, who is sitting in a wheelchair.

4.     A 67-year-old obese male, who has cellulitis of his right lower leg

Answer 1

The client who is at greatest risk of developing pressure ulcer is the 91 year old emaciated female with blood sugar of 160mg/dl, who is sitting in a wheelchair.

Age of 70 years and older are more prone for Pressure ulcer development, current smoking history, dry skin, low body mass index, impaired mobility, altered mental status (i.e., confusion), urinary and fecal incontinence, malnutrition, physical restraints, malignancy are also aded factors. Pressure ulcer can develop quickly to anyone with reduced mobility, such as older people or those confined to a bed or chair.The skin of older people tends to be thinner and more delicate, which means an older person has an increased risk of developing a pressure sore during a prolonged stay in bed. Also people with diabetes who experience nerve damage are at increased risk of pressure sores. On a wheelchair, a client can most likely develop a pressure sore on the parts of the body where they rest against the chair. These may include the tailbone or buttocks, shoulder blades, spine and the backs of arms or legs.