During prolonged immobility, which integumentary issue is commonly observed?

During prolonged immobility, which integumentary issue is commonly observed?

• A. Decreased sensation
• B. Altered cognition
• C. Pressure sores
• D. Increased sweating

Answer: (C)

Sustained pressure on the skin during long periods of immobility reduces blood flow to the affected areas, especially over bony prominences. This lack of perfusion causes tissue ischemia, cell death, and eventual breakdown of the skin, leading to pressure sores (pressure ulcers). The skin must be relieved from constant loading and protected from shear and moisture to prevent these lesions. Other options don’t fit as directly related integumentary issues from immobility: decreased sensation is a neural issue, altered cognition involves brain function, and increased sweating isn’t a typical skin breakdown consequence of being immobile.

Sustained pressure on the skin during long periods of immobility reduces blood flow to the affected areas, especially over bony prominences. This lack of perfusion causes tissue ischemia, cell death, and eventual breakdown of the skin, leading to pressure sores (pressure ulcers). The skin must be relieved from constant loading and protected from shear and moisture to prevent these lesions.

Other options don’t fit as directly related integumentary issues from immobility: decreased sensation is a neural issue, altered cognition involves brain function, and increased sweating isn’t a typical skin breakdown consequence of being immobile.