What risk does a patient in an extremity cast face regarding their skin?

Patients in an extremity cast face a significant risk for decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores. These ulcers develop when sustained pressure on the skin reduces blood flow to the area, leading to tissue damage. The use of a cast immobilizes a limb, which can prevent patients from repositioning themselves and maintaining normal blood flow.

The inaccessibility of the skin underneath the cast combined with reduced mobility increases the likelihood of prolonged pressure on certain areas. If the skin is not regularly inspected or if the cast is not managed properly, moisture, friction, and pressure can result in skin breakdown and ulcer formation.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the risks associated with wearing an extremity cast. Improved skin condition or enhanced blood flow are not outcomes associated with being immobilized in a cast, and reduced sensitivity typically involves nerve damage rather than being a direct consequence of cast use. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the specific risk of decubitus ulcers due to the constraints imposed by the cast.