A nurse is assessing a client who has a stage 1 pressure injury.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:

The client who is unresponsive to verbal commands and changes position occasionally is at the highest risk for developing a pressure injury. Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, are more likely to occur in clients who cannot independently reposition themselves. Unresponsive clients are unable to sense discomfort and adjust their positions, which makes them particularly vulnerable to pressure injuries. Changing position occasionally may not be sufficient to prevent these injuries in such clients. Pressure injuries are a result of prolonged pressure on a particular area, causing damage to the skin and underlying tissues due to reduced blood flow. Clients who are unresponsive need more vigilant monitoring and frequent repositioning to prevent pressure injuries.

Choice B rationale:

The client who is alert and responsive and eats 25% of each meal is not at the highest risk for developing a pressure injury. While this client may have some nutritional concerns, the primary risk factor for pressure injuries is immobility or the inability to change position independently. The ability to eat some of each meal indicates at least some level of mobility and participation in activities of daily living, which can help reduce the risk of pressure injuries.

Choice C rationale:

The client who is receiving enteral feeding and can change position independently is not at the highest risk for developing a pressure injury. Enteral feeding provides adequate nutrition, and the ability to change position independently reduces the risk of pressure injuries. Changing positions helps distribute pressure and prevents localized areas of prolonged pressure that can lead to tissue damage.

Choice D rationale:

The client who makes frequent slight changes in position and walks occasionally is also not at the highest risk for developing a pressure injury. Walking and frequent position changes help in preventing pressure injuries. The risk is lower for clients who can independently make slight changes in position and engage in ambulation. These activities promote blood flow and relieve pressure on specific areas of the body.

Choice A rationale:

Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points. It is not an example of acute pain. Acute pain typically has a sudden onset and is of limited duration.

Choice B rationale:

Peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can cause both acute and chronic pain, depending on the underlying cause. However, it is not a classic example of acute pain. Acute pain is usually associated with a specific injury or condition and has a sudden onset.

Choice C rationale:

Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause joint pain and inflammation. While it can have acute flares of pain, it is primarily considered a chronic condition. Acute pain typically results from injuries or conditions with a sudden onset.

Choice D rationale:

Surgical incision. This is the correct answer. A surgical incision represents a classic example of acute pain. It is a pain that results from a specific event, in this case, surgery, and typically has a well-defined onset and duration. Acute pain is often sharp and intense, and it resolves as the incision heals.