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

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

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

Whos at Risk?
Bedridden/wheelchair bound
Fragile skin/Older age
Chronic disease that prevents blood
flow
Spinal Cord Injury/Brain Injury/MS
Alzheimers 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 dryespecially
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