Question

A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a patient who has a pressure ulcer. Which of the following is an expected finding?

1) Redness and warmth around the ulcer
2) Decreased pain at the site of the ulcer
3) Complete healing of the ulcer
4) Increased sensation around the ulcer

Answer 1

An expected finding when reviewing the medical records of a patient with a pressure ulcer is redness and warmth around the ulcer, as these are signs of inflammation associated with bedsores.

Step-by-step explanation:

When reviewing the medical records of a patient who has a pressure ulcer, an expected finding would be redness and warmth around the ulcer. This is because pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, are typically associated with inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. The inflammatory response includes the four cardinal signs: redness, swelling, pain, and local heat.

While complete healing of the ulcer would be an ideal outcome, it is not an expected finding in the context of an active ulcer review. Similarly, increased sensation is not typically associated with a pressure ulcer; in fact, there may be decreased sensation due to tissue damage. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is redness and warmth around the ulcer.