Screening for pressure ulcers should occur

• A. At admission
• B. Only after wounds worsen
• C. Only at discharge
• D. Randomly during care

Answer: (A)

Screening for pressure ulcers is most effective when done on admission because it establishes baseline risk and skin condition right away, allowing immediate, proactive prevention. By using a risk assessment tool and evaluating skin integrity at the start of care, you can tailor interventions—such as regular repositioning, pressure-relieving surfaces, skin moisture management, and nutritional support—to prevent ulcers from developing in patients who are most vulnerable.

If you wait until wounds worsen, prevention has already been bypassed and treatment becomes more difficult. Screening only at discharge misses the critical in-hospital period where ulcers can form, and random checks during care lack a systematic approach and may overlook high-risk moments. Ongoing reassessment is important, but admission screening sets the foundation for prevention from day one.