What are the causes of a pressure ulcer? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Properly disposing of contaminated equipment is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Contaminated equipment, such as gloves, gowns, masks, or needles, should be disposed of in designated containers or bags to prevent exposure or injury to others. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice B reason: Discarding used syringes into appropriate containers is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Used syringes, especially those that contain blood or body fluids, should be discarded into punctureresistant, leakproof, and labeled containers to prevent needlestick injuries or exposure to others. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice C reason: Changing soiled linens is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Soiled linens, especially those that contain blood or body fluids, should be changed and handled with gloves and minimal agitation to prevent contamination or aerosolization of pathogens. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice D reason: Performing hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care, because it reduces the number of microorganisms on the hands of the health care worker, which are the most common source and mode of transmission of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after contact with the client, after contact with potentially infectious materials, after removing gloves, and before and after performing invasive procedures. Hand hygiene can be performed by washing with soap and water or using alcoholbased hand rubs.

Choice A reason: Psoriasis is a skin abnormality that causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales, usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, or genitals. Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune condition that affects the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis can cause itching, burning, pain, or bleeding.

Choice B reason: Rosacea is a skin abnormality that causes redness, flushing, swelling, or pimples, usually on the face, especially the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory, vascular condition that affects the blood vessels and sebaceous glands of the skin. Rosacea can cause sensitivity, stinging, or dryness.

Choice C reason: Scabies is a skin abnormality that causes small, red bumps, blisters, or burrows, usually on the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, or genitals. Scabies is a contagious, parasitic infection that is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs. Scabies can cause intense itching, especially at night.

Choice D reason: Stasis dermatitis is a skin abnormality that causes swelling, redness, scaling, or ulcers, usually on the lower legs or ankles. Stasis dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory condition that results from poor blood circulation in the veins of the legs, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues. Stasis dermatitis can cause pain, itching, or infection.