Question

While the nurse will need to be aware of factors contributing to inflammation and infection, this is a separate assessment from that for the risk of pressure ulcer development. However, to assess a patient's risk for pressure ulcer development, the nurse must understand the pathogenesis of pressure ulcers, factors contributing to pressure ulcer formation, and factors contributing to wound healing

To assess a patient's risk for pressure ulcer development, what understanding must the nurse have?

a) Factors contributing to inflammation
b) Pathogenesis of pressure ulcers
c) Factors contributing to wound healing
d) All of the above

Answer 1

A nurse must understand the pathogenesis of pressure ulcers, the factors contributing to their formation, as well as the factors involved in wound healing to assess a patient's risk for pressure ulcer development.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assess a patient's risk for pressure ulcer development, a nurse must have an understanding of various factors. Specifically, the nurse should be knowledgeable about the pathogenesis of pressure ulcers, which involves skin and underlying tissue damage due to excessive, constant pressure leading to reduced blood flow and tissue necrosis, especially over bony areas. Furthermore, understanding the factors contributing to pressure ulcer formation, such as immobility and exposure to moisture, as well as factors contributing to wound healing, including the body's inflammatory response, are crucial. This inflammatory response, characterized by redness, warmth, pain, and swelling, helps to kill pathogens and clear debris, setting the stage for wound repair.