Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

Pressure reduction mattresses should be utilized for which reason?

1. Decrease workload of the caregiver

2. Eliminate the need to turn patients every 2 hours

3. Support the patient with pressures greater than capillary pressure

4. Utilized if the patient bottoms out on conventional mattresses

The correct answer is: Utilized if the patient bottoms out on conventional mattresses

Using pressure reduction mattresses is critical for patients at risk of pressure ulcers, particularly when they have demonstrated an inability to adequately maintain skin integrity on standard mattresses. The primary function of these specialized mattresses is to redistribute pressure away from vulnerable areas of the body, thereby minimizing the risk of tissue ischemia and subsequent skin breakdown. When a patient bottoms out on a conventional mattress, it means that the mattress fails to provide sufficient cushioning, allowing pressure to build up in sensitive areas such as the heels, sacrum, and elbows. This occurs when the patient's weight exerts greater force on the mattress than the mattress can disperse, leading to capillary closure and impaired blood flow. A pressure reduction mattress, designed to relieve this pressure, utilizes various materials and design features that conform to the body shape and adjust to movements, significantly enhancing comfort and safety for individuals who may have less mobility or sensation. In summary, the use of pressure reduction mattresses is essential for preventing skin integrity issues and protecting at-risk individuals, especially those who cannot tolerate pressure effectively on conventional mattresses.