My Loved One in a Nursing Home Has A Pressure Ulcer

1
My Loved One in a Nursing Home Has A Pressure
Ulcer

• ltcpractice.com

2
Pressure ulcers defined

• A pressure ulcer (bed sore) is an injury to the
  skin
• and the tissue beneath it, usually caused by
• unrelieved pressure.

3
Pressure ulcers why are they serious?

• affect the quality of a residents life
• risk of dying is increased
• can be an indicator of poor care

4
Pressure ulcers common locations

• over bony prominences - hips, shoulders, heels,
  base of spine, elbows
• occasionally on earlobes or back of head

5
Pressure ulcers risk factors

• diabetes, impaired circulation, swollen skin
• certain medications
• pressure, friction, incontinence
• dehydration, poor nutrition
• bedrest, immobilization
• previous pressure ulcer

6
Pressure ulcers stages

• I - change in color of unbroken skin
• II - minimal skin loss looks like abrasion,
  blister, shallow crater
• III- moderate skin loss into several layers of
  skin
• IV- severe skin loss into muscle or bone

7
How will the doctor or nurse practitioner
evaluate the pressure ulcer?

• physical examination of affected skin
• evaluation of risks and likely causes
• order appropriate treatments
• discuss prevention with other disciplines
• periodic evaluations

8
How will the nursing home staff evaluate the
pressure ulcer?

• physical examination and measurement of affected
  skin
• evaluation of risks and likely causes
• monitor for infection, pain, effect of treatment
• document healing
• prevent reoccurrence

9
Pressure ulcers treatment options

• remove dead, nonhealing tissue
• control growth of bacteria
• provide healing topical creams and protective
  dressings
• manage pain
• reduce risks where possible

10
Pressure ulcers prevention strategies

• frequent turning and repositioning
• prompt incontinence care
• improvement in nutrition
• immediate intervention for reoccurrences

11
Pressure ulcers Will hospitalization be
necessary?

• if surgical intervention is needed for healing or
  relief of pain
• if a complication, such as serious infection,
  cannot be managed in the nursing home

12
Pressure ulcers things to remember

• 70 of pressure ulcers occur in residents gtage 70
• nursing home residents often have multiple risks
  for developing pressure ulcers
• pressure ulcers are not all preventable
• most pressure ulcers heal with aggressive care
• a pressure ulcer increases the risk of another
  ulcer in the same location