Pressure Injuries Quiz

Pressure injuries or ulcers

Damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the skin.

Debridement

The removal of damaged tissue or foreign objects from a wound.

Blanchable

skin turns white when you press on it and then returns to its normal color when you release the pressure.

Non-blanchable skin

Non-blanchable skin does not turn white when you press on it, which indicates tissue damage.

Full-thickness skin loss

Loss of all layers of the skin, exposing underlying tissues such as fat, muscle, or bone.

Granulation tissue

New connective tissue and microscopic blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process. Granulation tissue typically has a red, granular appearance.

Slough

Dead tissue that is typically yellow, tan, gray, green, or brown and may be stringy, thick, or loose. Slough must be removed for the wound to heal.

Exudate

Fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues. Exudate is often described as thin and watery, but it can also be thick and pus-like.

Undermining/tunneling

Undermining occurs when the tissue under the edges of the wound is damaged, creating a pocket or tunnel.

Braden scale

A tool used to assess a patient's risk of developing a pressure injury.

Diabetic ulcers

Open sores that can occur on the feet of people with diabetes.

Peripheral neuropathy

A condition that damages the nerves in the extremities, causing numbness, tingling, and pain.

Poor circulation

A condition in which there is not enough blood flow to a particular area of the body.

The most common locations for diabetic ulcers.

Feet/lower legs

Venous ulcers (stasis ulcers)

Sores that develop on the legs, usually near the ankles, due to poor blood flow in the veins.

Venous insufficiency

A condition in which the veins have trouble returning blood to the heart.

Gradual onset

Venous ulcers typically develop gradually over time.

Arterial ulcers

Sores that develop on the feet or toes due to poor blood flow in the arteries.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

A condition in which the arteries in the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked.

Surgical wounds

Cuts or incisions made in the skin during surgery.

Complication of surgery

Surgical wounds can become infected or fail to heal properly, leading to complications.

Immobility

A lack of movement, which can increase the risk of developing pressure injuries.

who is more likely to experience complications with wounds

People with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or poor circulation

Nutritional Screening and Assessment for Pressure Injuries

An evaluation to identify individuals at risk for malnutrition or who are already malnourished. This is a crucial step in pressure injury management.

Early and frequent screening is essential to providing timely nutritional interventions.

Oral Nutrition Supplements for Pressure Injuries

Concentrated sources of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals that are consumed in addition to the regular diet.

Supplements can help patients meet their increased nutritional needs when they cannot do so through diet alone. They are often recommended for individuals with pressure injuries who are at risk for or diagnosed with malnutrition.

Calorie Needs for Pressure Injury Healing

Recommendation → 30-35 kcals/kg of body weight per day.

Adults with pressure injuries who are malnourished or at risk for malnutrition.

Healthy fats, whole grains, dairy, lean protein, nutrient-dense snacks, smoothies, shakes, fortified foods, and nutritional supplements.

Protein Needs for Pressure Injury Healing

Recommendation → 1.25 to 1.5 g/kg of body weight per day.

Protein is essential for tissue repair and wound healing.

Sources - Lean meats, fish, dairy, eggs, plant-based proteins, and protein supplements/oral nutritional supplements.

Fluid Needs for Pressure Injury Healing

Recommendation → Start with 1 ml per kcal consumed per day.

Increase as needed based on individual fluid losses, such as from perspiration, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Role of Vitamin C in Wound Healing

Supports collagen synthesis, which is critical for wound strength and closure.

Sources → Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes, bell peppers, and broccoli.

Role of Vitamin A in Wound Healing

Supports the growth of epithelial cells, which are the cells that line the skin and other surfaces of the body. Vitamin A also helps to maintain the integrity of the skin.

Sources → Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, apricots, and liver.

Role of Vitamin E in Wound Healing

Protects cells from oxidative damage and helps to reduce inflammation.

Sources → Almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, broccoli, and vegetable oil.

Role of Vitamin D in Wound Healing

Supports immune function and helps to reduce inflammation.

Sources → Fatty fish, fortified foods (dairy and cereal), egg yolks, and sunlight.

Role of Zinc in Wound Healing

Essential for collagen synthesis and immune function.

Sources → Beef, poultry, oysters, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

Role of Copper in Wound Healing

Necessary for the formation of new blood vessels.

Sources → Organ meats, shellfish, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.

Role of Iron in Wound Healing

Carries oxygen to the tissues, which is essential for wound healing. Iron also supports energy metabolism.

Sources → Red meat, poultry, beans, spinach, and fortified cereal.

Role of Magnesium in Wound Healing

Involved in energy production and protein synthesis.

Sources → Nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens, and legumes.

Role of Arginine in Wound Healing

Promotes blood flow to the wound site.

Role of Glutamine in Wound Healing

Provides energy for cell proliferation and supports immune function.

Role of HMB in Wound Healing

Protects muscle tissue beneath the wound.