Diagnostic Division: Safety

Definition: At risk for skin being adversely altered.
Risk should be determined by the use of a standardized risk assessment tool [e.g., Braden, Norton, or similar scale].

RISK FACTORS

External
Chemical substance; Radiation; Hypothermia; Hyperthermia; Physical immobilization; Humidity; Moisture; Excretions; Secretions; Mechanical factors (e.g., shearing forces, pressure, restraint); Extremes of age

Internal
Imbalanced nutritional state (e.g., obesity, emaciation); Impaired metabolic state; [Presence of edema]; Skeletal prominence; Changes in skin turgor [/elasticity]; Impaired circulation/sensation; Changes in pigmentation; Developmental factors; Immunologic factors; Medications; Psychogenetic factors