A nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as at highest risk for developing a pressure injury?

Choice A reason: A client who makes frequent slight changes in position and walks has low risk for pressure injuries, as mobility redistributes pressure on skin and tissues. Frequent movement and ambulation promote blood flow, preventing ischemia in pressure-prone areas like the sacrum or heels, making this client the least likely to develop a pressure injury. Choice B reason: A client who changes position occasionally has a moderate risk for pressure injuries, as infrequent movement may allow prolonged pressure on bony prominences. However, some mobility reduces risk compared to complete immobility, as periodic repositioning promotes circulation, making this client less at risk than an immobile, unresponsive client. Choice C reason: A client receiving enteral feeding who can change position has a lower risk for pressure injuries, as mobility mitigates prolonged pressure on skin. Enteral feeding supports nutrition, which aids tissue health, but the ability to reposition independently significantly reduces the likelihood of ischemia and subsequent pressure injury development. Choice D reason: An unresponsive client who cannot change position is at highest risk for pressure injuries due to prolonged immobility, which compresses tissues over bony prominences, reducing blood flow and causing ischemia. Lack of responsiveness prevents self-repositioning, increasing vulnerability to skin breakdown, particularly in areas like the sacrum, heels, or hips, requiring intensive preventive measures.