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
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