3. Decubitus Ulcers What you will learn: Other names for decubitus ulcers
Cause of decubitus ulcers
People at risk for developing
Areas mostly likely to develop
Preventive measures
Different stages
Quiz : 40 points next week.

4. Decubitus ulcers also know as:
1. Pressure Ulcers
2. Dermal Ulcers
3. Bed sores
Cause: Prolonged pressure on an area of the body that interferes with circulation.

5. Common in patients who are:
·Elderly
·Very thin
·Obese
·Incontinent- (unable to control bowel or bladder)
·Debilitated
·Poorly nourished
·Bedbound
·Impaired circulation

6. Common sites for decubitus ulcers:
·Elbows
·Heels
·Sacrum
·Coccyx
·Buttocks
·Shoulders
·Hips
·Ankles

7. Ways to prevent Decubitus ulcers:
·Frequent position changes
·Limit skin shearing
·Prompt incontinent care
·Pressure relief devices
·Ensure proper nutrition
·Ensure proper hydration
·Keep skin clean and dry
·Keep linens wrinkle free
·Inspect skin daily

8. 4 Stages of Pressure Ulcers:
1. Stage I
2. Stage II
3. Stage III
4. Stage IV

9. Stage I: skin develops a redness or blue-gray discoloration
Stage I: skin develops a redness or blue-gray discoloration. The skin in this stage is non-blanching
Non-blanching: remains red when pressed
Blanching: a reddish area when pressed on turns white or disappears then returns
This stage is usually reversible if the area is detected
promptly and the pressure if relieved, but does have then potential to worsen rapidly.

10. Example of a Stage I Pressure Ulcer

11. Stage II: the skin is reddened and there is a break in the skin
Stage II: the skin is reddened and there is a break in the skin. May look like an abrasion, may be a blister or a shallow crater. The surrounding skin may also be red.

12. Example of a Stage II Pressure Ulcer

13. Stage III: All layers of the skin are destroyed and a deep crater forms.

14. Stage IV: The ulcer extends through the skin and subcutaneous tissue and may involve the muscle and bone. These patients
are at great risk for infection.
These ulcers may have Purulent drainage: containing pus

15. Example of a
Stage IV
Pressure Ulcer

16. Stage IV Pressure Ulcer

17. Stage IV Pressure Ulcer

18. Layers of the skin effected for each stage

19. Eschar: black necrotic tissue
Necrosis: dead tissue

20. Kennedy Terminal Ulcer
An decubitus ulcer that occurs quickly in the dying patients
Usually occurs on the sacrum
Starts off like a blistered area then quickly turns into a stage 3 or 4 decubitus ulcer
They usually do not heal