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What are the known risk factors for developing a pressure ulcer?

The known risk factors for developing a pressure ulcer are significantly limited mobility, significant loss of sensation, significantly restricted movement, a previous or current pressure ulcer, nutritional deficiency, significant cognitive impairment, serious illness, neurological conditions, fragile or damaged skin, and old age. People with more than one of these risk factors are normally considered to be at high risk.

Key points

  • Limited mobility, reduced sensation, and restricted movement are key risk factors.
  • Having a current or previous pressure ulcer increases risk.
  • Poor nutrition, serious illness, and neurological conditions contribute to risk.
  • Fragile or damaged skin, old age, and significant cognitive impairment are also recognized risks.
  • Having multiple risk factors places a person at high risk.
Source:Oxford Handbook of Adult Nursing, Third Edition· Essential clinical skills· p. 178–203

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Third Edition · Oxford University Press

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