Question

 

What factors lead to the development of pressure ulcers?

Answer 1

• Immobility

Inability to move by own leads to the development of pressure ulcers as pressure on the bony areas decreases blood flow to the tissues.

• Malnutrition

People settling with poor nutrition are more prone to get pressure ulcers.

• Loss of sensation

Ability to sense the pain or pressure if lost,leads to pressure ulcers.example in Stroke.

• Age

On growing old,a person become weak due to which they will not be able to move themselves, getting more pressure on bony prominence.

• Diseases

Persons with dementia or with diseases which affect the cognitive function will not be able to understand the aches and pains on the bony prominence which can lead to pressure ulcers.

• Incontinence

Lack of voluntary control of urination and defecation can cause damages to the skin,and thus develops pressure ulcers.

These factors can be summarised as Friction,Pressure and Shear.

Friction happens when skin is rubbed with any other object like bed sheet .example, Incontinence

Pressure on a particular body prominence decreases blood flow.example ,Immobility

Shear happens when two layers are shifted in opposite direction