Final answer:
Patients at risk for pressure injuries primarily include the immobile or those with reduced mobility, such as elderly individuals or patients recovering from conditions like hip fractures. Bedsores result from prolonged pressure and reduced blood flow, leading to tissue damage. Healthcare facilities must take preventative measures to avoid the development of these serious injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of patients who are at risk for the development of pressure injuries primarily include those who are immobile or have reduced mobility, such as elderly patients or those with debilitating conditions. These injuries, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, occur due to prolonged, unrelieved pressure on bony parts of the body, which results in diminished blood flow and can lead to tissue necrosis. Pressure injuries can also affect individuals who are immobilized due to serious conditions like hip fractures. Because of the potential complexity and severity of these wounds, preventative measures such as repositioning patients every few hours are crucial in healthcare settings.
Additional at-risk groups include individuals with higher risks of sustaining skin injuries, like those with substance use disorders, healthcare workers at risk of needle sticks, and patients suffering from extensive periods of immobility due to other causes. Given the possible severe outcomes of untreated pressure sores, which include infection and possibly death, it is important for caregiving facilities to implement preventative measures and provide appropriate treatment for necrotized tissue.