OverviewBedsores — also called pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers — are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone. Show
People most at risk of bedsores have medical conditions that limit their ability to change positions or cause them to spend most of their time in a bed or chair. Bedsores can develop over hours or days. Most sores heal with treatment, but some never heal completely. You can take steps to help prevent bedsores and help them heal. SymptomsWarning signs of bedsores or pressure ulcers are:
Bedsores fall into one of several stages based on their depth, severity and other characteristics. The degree of skin and tissue damage ranges from changes in skin color to a deep injury involving muscle and bone. Common sites of pressure ulcersFor people who use wheelchairs, bedsores often occur on skin over the following sites:
For people who need to stay in bed, bedsores may happen on:
When to see a doctorIf you notice warning signs of a bedsore, change your position to relieve the pressure on the area. If you don't see improvement in 24 to 48 hours, contact your doctor. Seek immediate medical care if you show signs of infection, such as a fever, drainage from a sore, a sore that smells bad, changes in skin color, warmth or swelling around a sore. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most
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You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesBedsores are caused by pressure against the skin that limits blood flow to the skin. Limited movement can make skin vulnerable to damage and lead to development of bedsores. Three primary contributing factors for bedsores are:
Risk factorsYour risk of developing bedsores is higher if you have difficulty moving and can't change position easily while seated or in bed. Risk factors include:
ComplicationsComplications of pressure ulcers, some life-threatening, include:
PreventionYou can help prevent bedsores by frequently repositioning yourself to avoid stress on the skin. Other strategies include taking good care of your skin, maintaining good nutrition and fluid intake, quitting smoking, managing stress, and exercising daily. Tips for repositioningConsider the following recommendations related to repositioning in a bed or chair:
Tips for skin careConsider the following suggestions for skin care:
Which of the following actions would best help prevent skin breakdown in a patient who is incontinent of stool and very weak and drowsy?Keep skin clean and dry
Bathe frequently using mild soap. Avoid very hot water as it dries skin. Dry your skin by patting rather than rubbing. Change undergarments or pads as soon as possible after a bowel or bladder accident.
Which action is the priority concern when providing oral hygiene for a patient who is unconscious?An unconscious patient is placed in the side-lying position when mouth care is provided because this position prevents pooling of secretions at the back of the oral cavity, thereby reducing the risk of aspiration.
What is the priority reason for providing oral hygiene to an unconscious patient?The priority is to prevent aspiration. Aspiration occurs when something accidentally enters your airway or lungs. It can be food, liquid, or any other material. This can lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia.
When assessing a patient's skin the nurse needs to know that?There are five key areas to note during a focused integumentary assessment: color, skin temperature, moisture level, skin turgor, and any lesions or skin breakdown.
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