Which nutrients are emphasized in a diet for someone with a pressure ulcer?

• A. Increased protein and vitamin C
• B. Increased carbohydrates and fats
• C. Decreased protein and vitamin C
• D. Increased vitamin A only

Answer: (A)

For healing pressure ulcers, the body needs both building blocks and essential cofactors to repair tissue. Protein provides the amino acids required for new tissue formation and immune function, while vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis and maintaining capillary integrity, both of which support wound healing and resistance to infection. Increasing protein together with vitamin C supplies the necessary substrates and processes for repair, more effectively promoting healing than merely adding calories from carbohydrates and fats. Decreasing protein would hinder healing, and relying on carbohydrates or fats alone doesn’t address the need for amino acids and collagen formation. Vitamin A can support some aspects of healing but isn’t sufficient on its own and isn’t the sole emphasis.