Which factor determines the increased protein and calorie needs for pressure ulcers?

Which factor determines the increased protein and calorie needs for pressure ulcers?

• A. Size and stage of the ulcer
• B. Patient's age
• C. Type of wound dressing
• D. Time since injury

Answer: (A)

The amount of protein and calories needed to heal a pressure ulcer depends on how much tissue has to be rebuilt and how deep the wound goes. A larger surface area and a higher-stage wound mean more tissue destruction and a bigger healing workload, which drives up metabolic demands. The body must produce more collagen, immune cells, and new blood vessels, while also meeting energy needs to support these processes. That’s why bigger and deeper wounds require more protein and calories. Age can influence baseline nutrition and healing speed, but it doesn’t determine the wound-specific demand. Time since injury reflects the healing phase, not the overall magnitude of resource needs. Wound dressing affects moisture and protection but doesn’t change the body's nutrient requirements.

The amount of protein and calories needed to heal a pressure ulcer depends on how much tissue has to be rebuilt and how deep the wound goes. A larger surface area and a higher-stage wound mean more tissue destruction and a bigger healing workload, which drives up metabolic demands. The body must produce more collagen, immune cells, and new blood vessels, while also meeting energy needs to support these processes. That’s why bigger and deeper wounds require more protein and calories.

Age can influence baseline nutrition and healing speed, but it doesn’t determine the wound-specific demand. Time since injury reflects the healing phase, not the overall magnitude of resource needs. Wound dressing affects moisture and protection but doesn’t change the body's nutrient requirements.