Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What does recurrent pressure ulcers indicate in a paraplegic patient?

1. Lack of mobility

2. Good management of care

3. Maladaptation

4. Improved skin integrity

The correct answer is: Maladaptation

Recurrent pressure ulcers in a paraplegic patient typically indicate maladaptation to the changes in their body and environment. In the context of paraplegia, patients often face significant challenges related to immobility, leading to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the skin, particularly over bony prominences. Maladaptation can manifest as an inadequate response to the required changes in care and preventive measures necessary to maintain skin integrity and overall health. These patients must rely on caregivers and healthcare professionals for regular repositioning, skin assessments, and other interventions to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers. If these measures are not effectively implemented or if the patient fails to respond positively to them, it results in the development of ulcers, highlighting the need for improved strategies in management and care. While lack of mobility is a factor that contributes to pressure ulcer formation, it does not inherently denote maladaptation. Good management of care and improved skin integrity would suggest the absence of recurrent pressure ulcers, which is contrary to the situation described. Therefore, recurrent pressure ulcers serve as a significant indicator of adaptive challenges in the patient’s care management.