Final answer:
Risk factors for pressure injuries include immobility, older age, altered perfusion, and malnutrition; family history is not a direct factor. These injuries arise from prolonged pressure on the skin, and elderly patients are particularly susceptible.
Step-by-step explanation:
Risk factors that predispose a client to develop a pressure injury include immobility, age greater than 65 years, altered perfusion, and malnutrition. A family history of skin breakdown is less commonly a direct predisposing factor. The risk of pressure injury increases when patients cannot move and change position independently, leading to sustained pressure on the skin, especially over bony areas. This pressure can lead to bedsores, or decubitus ulcers, as the skin and underlying tissues are damaged. Elderly individuals are at higher risk, and they must receive proper care in hospitals and long-term care facilities, including regular repositioning, to prevent these injuries. Poor blood flow (altered perfusion) and malnutrition can also compromise skin integrity and contribute to the development of pressure injuries.