Purpose: To familiarize wound care practitioners with current evidence related to skin care and pressure ulcer prevention.
Target audience: This continuing education activity is intended for healthcare professionals with an interest in wound care.
Objectives: After reading this article and taking this test, the reader should be able to: 1. Describe features of normal structure and function of the skin. 2. Discuss the pathophysiology of pressure ulcers. 3. Identify risk factors for skin breakdown. 4. Discuss staging, prevention, and treatment of skin breakdown.