Which of the following is a sign of pressure ulcers?

Redness or discoloration on the skin is a key sign of pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers. These ulcers typically develop in areas where the skin is subjected to prolonged pressure, especially over bony prominences such as heels, elbows, and the sacrum. The redness indicates that the skin is injured and that there may be damage to the underlying tissue. If pressure is not alleviated, this redness can progress to more severe forms of skin breakdown, potentially leading to more serious complications.

The other options, while they may be symptoms of different medical issues, are not indicative of pressure ulcers. Swelling in the extremities could point to circulatory problems or edema, persistent fever may suggest infection or an inflammatory process, and difficulty breathing could be related to respiratory conditions. None of these conditions directly correlate with the early signs of a pressure ulcer, making the identification of skin redness critical for prevention and early intervention in pressure ulcer development.