1 Pressure Injuries and Immobility Free Online FlashCards

What is a pressure injury?

Localized damage to the skin or underlying tissue, often over a bony prominence or beneath a medical device.

How can sustained pressure and shear damage tissue?

Sustained pressure can reduce blood flow and damage tissue; shear can add to the damage.

How can sliding down in bed increase pressure-injury risk?

Sliding down in bed can combine pressure and shear, increasing the risk of tissue damage.

Which individual factors should inform pressure-injury risk assessment?

Risk is influenced by mobility, sensation, perfusion, moisture exposure, nutrition, prior pressure injuries, and medical devices.

How should a Braden Scale score guide prevention?

A structured tool such as the Braden Scale can organize assessment, but its score must not replace clinical judgment or determine prevention by itself.

When should pressure-injury risk and prevention plans be reassessed?

Screen as early as possible, reassess periodically and when the person's condition worsens, and update the plan as health, mobility, or skin changes.

Which areas and changes should skin checks include?

Inspect bony prominences, heels, skin folds, and areas beneath devices for persistent redness, discoloration, pain, temperature change, swelling, or altered tissue firmness.

What should be considered when assessing skin in darker skin tones?

Color changes may be less apparent in darker skin tones, so assess other signs such as temperature, swelling, pain, or altered tissue firmness.

How should repositioning frequency be chosen?

Choose a schedule based on mobility, skin response, condition, comfort, goals, and support surface. Two- or three-hour intervals may suit many at-risk people on an appropriate pressure-redistribution surface, but are not universal.

Can a pressure-redistribution surface replace repositioning?

A suitable mattress or seating surface can help redistribute pressure, but it does not replace repositioning or skin checks.

How should vulnerable areas be offloaded?

Relieve pressure on heels and other high-risk areas with positioning aids, and avoid placing the person directly on damaged or concerning skin.

How can care reduce skin harm from moisture exposure?

Cleanse and protect skin after incontinence or other moisture exposure to help support skin health.