Pressure Ulcers

Question 1

What are the symptoms of pressure ulcers?

Answer 1

• Discoloured patches of skin that do not change colour when pressed
• A patch of skin that feels warm, spongy and hard
• Pain or itchiness

Question 2

What are risks of developing pressure ulcers?

Answer 2

• Immobility
• Have had pressure ulcers before
• Have been seriously ill in intensive care or have recent surgery
• Underweight
• Poor nutrition
• Underlying health conditions (diabetes, heart failure, kidney failure, peripheral vascular disease)
• Poor sensation
• Pain
• Poor circulation and fragile skin
• Swollen, sweaty or broken skin
• Cognitive impairment
• Incontinence
• Smoking
• Friction