What types of people are at risk of getting a pressure ulcer?
A. Anyone who places prolonged pressure on one area of the body is at risk of developing a pressure ulcer. However, certain populations are at particularly higher risk, including the elderly, the physically disabled, persons with diabetes or with poor circulation, and patients living in long term care facilities. Other factors include: • Bed or Chair confinement – can place excess pressure in certain parts of the body • Loss of bladder or bowel control – excess moisture can increase risk of pressure ulcer formation • Loss of mental awareness – prevents a person from shifting weight to alleviate pressure • Immobility – when a person cannot shift weight on their own, they are at much greater risk • Poor nutrition – when a person is unable to maintain a nutritious diet, the skin can become more susceptible to injury and ulceration.Q. What are the stages of pressure ulcers? A. We categorize pressure ulcers based on the staging system of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Board. Pressure
