Pressure Ulcers (Bed Sores)

1. Pressure Ulcers(Bed Sores) Presented by: Nirvi Shah

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

3. 4 Stages of Pressure Ulcers • Reddened area of skin • Blister/Open Sore • Crater (bowl shaped depression on surface) • Damage to muscle or bone

4. 4 Stages of Pressure Ulcers

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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