A patient states that they are immobile, incontinent, and poorly nourished. What is this patient at risk for?

A patient states that they are immobile, incontinent, and poorly nourished. What is this patient at risk for?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Pressure ulcers
• C. Urinary tract infections
• D. Deep vein thrombosis

Answer: (B)

The patient described as immobile, incontinent, and poorly nourished is at a heightened risk for developing pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, occur when sustained pressure on the skin, often over bony areas, causes skin and underlying tissue damage. Immobility is a significant risk factor as patients who cannot change positions frequently are susceptible to pressure on particular areas of the body. Incontinence contributes to this risk by exposing the skin to moisture and irritants, making it more vulnerable to breakdown. Poor nutrition can further exacerbate the situation, as inadequate intake of essential nutrients impairs skin integrity and healing, lowering the body’s ability to withstand pressure and increasing the likelihood of ulcer development. Therefore, individuals with this combination of risk factors need close monitoring and preventative care to reduce the chances of pressure ulcer formation. While pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and deep vein thrombosis are serious concerns for immobile patients, the specific combination of immobility, incontinence, and poor nutrition primarily increases the risk for pressure ulcers.

The patient described as immobile, incontinent, and poorly nourished is at a heightened risk for developing pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, occur when sustained pressure on the skin, often over bony areas, causes skin and underlying tissue damage.

Immobility is a significant risk factor as patients who cannot change positions frequently are susceptible to pressure on particular areas of the body. Incontinence contributes to this risk by exposing the skin to moisture and irritants, making it more vulnerable to breakdown. Poor nutrition can further exacerbate the situation, as inadequate intake of essential nutrients impairs skin integrity and healing, lowering the body’s ability to withstand pressure and increasing the likelihood of ulcer development. Therefore, individuals with this combination of risk factors need close monitoring and preventative care to reduce the chances of pressure ulcer formation.

While pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and deep vein thrombosis are serious concerns for immobile patients, the specific combination of immobility, incontinence, and poor nutrition primarily increases the risk for pressure ulcers.