Which factor significantly increases the risk of skin breakdown in immobilized patients?

Prolonged pressure on bony prominences is a critical factor that significantly increases the risk of skin breakdown in immobilized patients. When a person is immobilized, such as those in a wheelchair or confined to a bed, the constant pressure applied to certain areas of the body—particularly over bony prominences like the sacrum, heels, and elbows—can impede blood flow to the skin. This compromised circulation leads to localized tissue ischemia, which in turn can cause skin integrity to deteriorate and result in pressure ulcers or bedsores.

In contrast, while external temperature fluctuations, frequent bathing, and overall healthy diet and hydration are important considerations for skin health, they do not have the same direct and immediate impact on skin breakdown as prolonged pressure does. Ensuring that patients are regularly repositioned to relieve pressure is essential in preventing skin issues, thereby highlighting the significance of managing pressure in the care of immobilized individuals.