Final answer:
The factor responsible for the increased risk of developing a decubitus ulcer when patients are dragged or pulled in bed is called shear. Shear causes skin layers to move in opposite directions leading to damage and ulcer formation, and it is different from friction, pressure, and moisture, which also contribute to bedsores.
Step-by-step explanation:
When patients are pulled up in bed rather than lifted, they are at an increased risk for the development of a decubitus ulcer. The factor responsible for this risk is shear. Shear occurs when layers of the skin are forced to move in opposite directions. For example, when a patient is dragged or pulled across bed linens, the skin may adhere to the linens while the skeletal structures underneath move forward, causing distortion and damage to the skin and subdermal tissues, which can contribute to the formation of decubitus ulcers or bedsores.
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, can be prevented by eliminating pressure points often through repositioning the patient regularly. Excessive pressure, friction, and moisture can also contribute to the development of these wounds, but shear is specifically the force exerted parallel to the skin, causing tissue layers to slide against each other. Effective management of bedsores includes relieving pressure, proper wound care, and preventing infection.