Risk Factors for Developing Pressure Ulcers

Risk Factors for Developing Pressure Ulcers

■ Alterations in sensation or response to discomfort: Degenerative neurologic/neuromuscular disease, cerebrovascular disease, brain or spinal cord injury, depression, or drugs that adversely affect alertness. ■ Alterations in mobility: Neurologic disease/injury, fractures, contractures, pain, or restraints. ■ Significant changes in weight: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), severe edema, obesity. ■ Medical conditions: Malnutrition and dehydration, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, end-stage renal disease, congestive heart failure, malignant diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, or bowel and bladder incontinence.