Pressure Ulcers (Bed Sores) Presented by: Nirvi Shah

What are Pressure Ulcers? Area of skin breaks down when no movement occurs Constant pressure reduces blood supply to specific area  death of tissue

4 Stages of Pressure Ulcers I) Reddened area of skin II) Blister/Open Sore III) Crater (bowl shaped depression on surface) IV) Damage to muscle or bone

4 Stages of Pressure Ulcers

Signs/Symptoms Foul odor from ulcer Redness/tenderness around ulcer Warm/swollen skin Fever, weakness, and confusion if infection spread to blood or other areas of body

Treatment Relieve pressure in area (pillows, cushions) Physician can treat depending on stage Avoid further trauma Prevent infection by properly cleaning open ulcers Medication to promote skin healing

DO NOT … Massage the area Damage tissue under the skin Use donut-shaped or ring-shaped cushions Interfere with blood flow

Who ’ s at Risk? Bedridden/wheelchair bound Fragile skin/Older age Chronic disease that prevents blood flow Spinal Cord Injury/Brain Injury/MS Alzheimer ’ s Disease

Prevention Change position every 2 hrs to relieve pressure Use pillows, foam padding to reduce pressure Eat healthy/Drink plenty of water Exercise daily to prevent immobility Keep skin clean and dry — especially after urinating/bowel movements

Interesting Facts Prevalence in U.S. 10% to 18% in acute care 1 million individuals/year Cause of death in 60,000 individuals/year (or because pressure ulcers caused another infection or complication) Can trigger Sepsis Bacteria from pressure ulcer entering the bloodstream