In assessing risk for pressure ulcers, which factor is a major modifiable risk factor?

• A. Age
• B. Immobility
• C. Genetic predisposition
• D. Gender

Answer: (B)

Prolonged pressure that reduces blood flow to skin and underlying tissues drives pressure ulcer development. The key factor you can change to lower this risk is mobility: when a person is immobile, they cannot relieve pressure by shifting position, so tissue ischemia from sustained pressure accumulates. This makes immobility a major modifiable risk factor, since it can be addressed with regular turning/repositioning, pressure-relieving devices, and encouraging safe movement as tolerated. Age, genetic predisposition, and gender influence risk but cannot be changed, so they are non-modifiable factors. Focusing on improving mobility and repositioning directly targets the modifiable aspect of risk.