The nurse is working on a medical-surgical unit that has been participating in a research project associated with pressure ulcers. Which risk factor will the nurse assess for that predisposes a patient to pressure ulcer development?

A) Decreased level of consciousness
B) Adequate dietary intake
C) Shortness of breath
D) Muscular pain

Patients who are confused or disoriented or who have changing levels of consciousness are unable to protect themselves. The patient may feel the pressure but may not understand what to do to relieve the discomfort or to communicate that he or she is feeling discomfort. Impaired sensory perception, impaired mobility, shear, friction, and moisture are other predisposing factors. Shortness of breath, muscular pain, and an adequate dietary intake are not included among the predisposing factors.