Colorado CNA Practice Exam

A resident who is at risk for pressure ulcers may have:

1. An alternating pressure mattress

2. A heating pad

3. An overbed table

4. Extra blankets

The correct answer is: An alternating pressure mattress

The correct answer is that a resident at risk for pressure ulcers may benefit from an alternating pressure mattress. This type of mattress is specifically designed to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas of the body, thereby helping to prevent the formation of pressure ulcers, which are sores that develop from prolonged pressure on the skin. Alternating pressure mattresses work by inflating and deflating chambers within the mattress, redistributing the pressure and promoting better blood circulation. This is crucial for patients who are confined to bed for extended periods, as it helps alleviate the constant pressure that can lead to skin breakdown. The other options do not provide the necessary support or pressure relief needed for preventing pressure ulcers. A heating pad, for example, might increase the risk of burns and does not provide the pressure management required. An overbed table is primarily for convenience and does not address the risk factors for pressure ulcers. Extra blankets, while they might provide warmth, can also inadvertently increase pressure points if they cause the resident to sink into the mattress more deeply, potentially increasing the risk rather than alleviating it.