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Module 5.1: Pressure Ulcers/ Injuries
Topic Progress:

Causes of Pressure Injuries

Adapted from AboutKidsHealth, 2022

The development of pressure ulcers/injuries in healthcare is a serious incident. All clinicians have a professional duty to understand the causes of pressure ulcers/injuries and prevention strategies.

The other factors that contribute to the development of pressure ulcers/injuries are:

  • Poor nutrition
  • Underlying health issues
  • Extremes of age
  • Incontinence, both urinary and faecal
  • Perfusion, circulation, and oxygenation factors

(EUPAP, 2019; Ousey, 2011)

Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge that some individual groups will have a higher, specific pressure injury-related risk and requirements related to their clinical condition, age, or care setting, including the following:

  • Individuals with spinal cord injury
  • Individuals receiving palliative care
  • Individuals with obesity
  • Neonates and children
  • Individuals in community, aged care and rehabilitation settings
  • Individuals in the operating room
  • Individuals in transit

(Norton et al., 2018; EUPAP, 2019)