What is the incidence of pressure ulcers in ICU patients?

• A. 0.5% to 2%.
• B. 60% to 80%.
• C. 5% to 9%.
• D. 10% to 41%.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that ICU patients have a relatively high risk of developing new pressure ulcers during their stay, so the reported incidence tends to be in the double digits and spans a broad range. Critical illness brings immobility, poor perfusion, edema, incontinence, and moisture—all factors that raise ulcer risk. Studies commonly show ICU incidence around 10% to 40%, with some reports near 41%. So a range of 10% to 41% best fits what is observed in practice and in the literature.

The other ranges don’t align with typical ICU data. Rates as high as 60%–80% are unusually high for most ICUs, suggesting either specific populations or measurement differences. Very low ranges like 0.5%–2% or 5%–9% underestimate the risk in critically ill patients, even with prevention efforts. Prevention practices—regular turning, skin care, moisture control, nutrition, and pressure-relieving devices—can reduce incidence, but the inherent vulnerability of ICU patients keeps the rate within this higher double-digit range.