North Carolina CNA Written Practice Exam

What areas of the body are most susceptible to bedsores?

1. Shoulders, knees, neck, and ankles

2. Tail bone, hip, back, elbow, spine, back of head, and heels

3. Hands, feet, face, and chest

4. Thighs, wrists, stomach, and legs

The correct answer is: Tail bone, hip, back, elbow, spine, back of head, and heels

The most susceptible areas of the body to bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are commonly located over bony prominences where the skin is closely apposed to underlying bones. These areas include the tailbone, hips, back, elbows, spine, back of the head, and heels, as indicated in the correct answer. When individuals are immobile or have limited movement, pressure in these areas increases, which can lead to reduced blood flow and eventually skin breakdown. The tailbone and hips are particularly vulnerable as they bear weight when sitting. Similarly, the elbows and heels are pressure points when lying down. Recognizing these specific areas allows caregivers to take preventive measures, such as repositioning clients regularly and ensuring that pressure-relieving devices are utilized to mitigate the risk of developing bedsores. The other options do not include the key areas typically associated with high risk for bedsores, focusing instead on regions that either have less pressure when lying down or are not prominent bony areas, making them less susceptible to such injuries.