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Wounds and Pressure Ulcers
Wounds and Pressure Ulcers ( 15 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has been bedridden for an extended period. The client has developed a pressure ulcer on their sacrum.
Which of the following statements best describes the pathophysiology of pressure ulcers?
"Pressure ulcers occur due to excessive friction on the skin." This statement is not accurate.
While friction can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers, it is not the primary pathophysiological factor.
Pressure ulcers primarily result from tissue ischemia and hypoxia, as well as pressure on the skin and underlying tissues.
"Damage to the skin and underlying tissues in pressure ulcers is primarily caused by a lack of proper hygiene." Hygiene is essential in preventing pressure ulcers, but it is not the primary cause of their development.
Pressure ulcers are mainly caused by sustained pressure on bony prominences, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygenation to the affected area.
"Ischemia and tissue hypoxia play a significant role in the development of pressure ulcers." This statement is correct.
Ischemia (reduced blood flow) and tissue hypoxia (inadequate oxygen supply) are key pathophysiological factors in the development of pressure ulcers.
Prolonged pressure on the skin and tissues leads to compromised blood flow, tissue damage, and ultimately, pressure ulcer formation.
"Pressure ulcers result from a hyperactive immune response in the affected area." This statement is not accurate.
Pressure ulcers are not primarily caused by a hyperactive immune response.
While inflammation may occur in response to tissue damage, it is not the root cause of pressure ulcers.
Choice A rationale:
"Pressure ulcers occur due to excessive friction on the skin." This statement is not accurate.
While friction can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers, it is not the primary pathophysiological factor.
Pressure ulcers primarily result from tissue ischemia and hypoxia, as well as pressure on the skin and underlying tissues.
Choice B rationale:
"Damage to the skin and underlying tissues in pressure ulcers is primarily caused by a lack of proper hygiene." Hygiene is essential in preventing pressure ulcers, but it is not the primary cause of their development.
Pressure ulcers are mainly caused by sustained pressure on bony prominences, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygenation to the affected area.
Choice C rationale:
"Ischemia and tissue hypoxia play a significant role in the development of pressure ulcers." This statement is correct.
Ischemia (reduced blood flow) and tissue hypoxia (inadequate oxygen supply) are key pathophysiological factors in the development of pressure ulcers.
Prolonged pressure on the skin and tissues leads to compromised blood flow, tissue damage, and ultimately, pressure ulcer formation.
Choice D rationale:
"Pressure ulcers result from a hyperactive immune response in the affected area." This statement is not accurate.
Pressure ulcers are not primarily caused by a hyperactive immune response.
While inflammation may occur in response to tissue damage, it is not the root cause of pressure ulcers.