Question

A nursing assistant is bathing a patient who has a stage I pressure ulcer on the right shoulder. What action by the health care team could cause that the tissue to become more damaged?

a. Positioning the patient on the left side
b. Massaging the reddened area
c. Cleaning the area with mild soap and water
d. Positioning the patient in a prone position

Answer 1

Massaging the reddened area can further damage the already compromised tissue, worsening the ulcer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The action by the health care team that could cause the tissue of the patient's pressure ulcer to become more damaged is b. Massaging the reddened area.

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, occur when there is constant, long-term, unrelieved pressure on certain body parts, reducing blood flow to the area and leading to tissue death. Massaging the reddened area can further damage the already compromised tissue, worsening the ulcer.