What is a common cause of pressure ulcers?

What is a common cause of pressure ulcers?

• A. Prolonged friction
• B. Exposure to cold
• C. Prolonged pressure on the skin
• D. Poor nutrition only

Answer: (C)

Prolonged pressure on the skin reduces blood flow to the affected tissues, leading to ischemia and tissue damage that can develop into a pressure ulcer. This is the most common initiating factor, especially over bony areas where the body presses against a surface for long periods, such as the sacrum or heels. Friction and shear can worsen skin injury, but they are not typically the primary cause on their own. Cold exposure doesn’t usually initiate ulcers, and while poor nutrition can affect healing and overall risk, it isn’t the main initiating factor. The key idea is that sustained pressure that impedes circulation starts the problem.

Prolonged pressure on the skin reduces blood flow to the affected tissues, leading to ischemia and tissue damage that can develop into a pressure ulcer. This is the most common initiating factor, especially over bony areas where the body presses against a surface for long periods, such as the sacrum or heels. Friction and shear can worsen skin injury, but they are not typically the primary cause on their own. Cold exposure doesn’t usually initiate ulcers, and while poor nutrition can affect healing and overall risk, it isn’t the main initiating factor. The key idea is that sustained pressure that impedes circulation starts the problem.