Skin Care and Pressure Injury Prevention Flashcards

What is the most common site for pressure injuries in bedridden residents?

Answer: Sacrum and coccyx

The sacrum and coccyx bear the most body weight in the supine position, making them the most vulnerable site for pressure injuries.

How often should a bedridden resident typically be repositioned to prevent pressure injuries?

Answer: Every 2 hours

Repositioning every 2 hours relieves sustained pressure and restores blood flow, preventing tissue breakdown.

Which stage of pressure injury involves full-thickness skin loss with visible subcutaneous fat but no exposed bone, tendon, or muscle?

Answer: Stage 3

Stage 3 pressure injuries involve full-thickness skin loss where fat may be visible, but deeper structures such as bone, tendon, and muscle remain covered.

What does assessing skin turgor primarily help determine?

Answer: Hydration status

Skin turgor reflects tissue elasticity; slow return after pinching indicates dehydration, which increases skin breakdown risk.

Which action BEST prevents skin breakdown in a resident who is incontinent?

Answer: Cleaning and drying the skin promptly after each incontinent episode

Promptly removing moisture and waste prevents prolonged skin exposure to irritants, which is the leading cause of incontinence-associated dermatitis.

A reddened area over the coccyx that does not turn white when pressed indicates:

Answer: A Stage 1 pressure injury

Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence is the hallmark of a Stage 1 pressure injury, indicating early tissue damage without open skin.

Which type of support surface is designed to redistribute pressure by cyclically changing contact areas beneath the resident?

Answer: Alternating pressure mattress

Alternating pressure mattresses inflate and deflate in cycles to continuously shift body weight, preventing prolonged pressure on any single area.