A pressure sore or bed sore is any lesion caused by unrelieved
pressure that results in damage to underlying tissue. The severity
of these injuries varies. In general, the elderly are at higher
risk of developing pressure sores because of aging changes to the
skin. Long term care facilities must recognize the resident's risk
and take active preventive measures. Pressure sores are caused
by unrelieved pressure to bony parts of the body. They are easier
to prevent than they are to treat. The first sign of a pressure
sore is a reddened area that does not go away within 30 minutes
of pressure relief. Avoid rubbing or massaging red areas, which
damages underlying tissues.
Pressure sores are classified according to stages.
Each stage represents a greater degree of tissue damage than the
previous stage. Pressure sores can develop quickly and progress
to Stage IV within a very short time. They do not necessarily progress
from Stage I to Stage IV or heal from Stage IV to Stage I.
In the long term care facility, pressure sores
should be measured weekly, or more often. This includes a metric
measurement of length, width, and depth. Other observations, such
as odor, drainage, presence of nonviable tissue, and the appearance
of surrounding tissue are recorded on the medical record.
Stage I: A reddened skin area that does not fade
within 30 minutes after pressure is removed. The area can be large
or small, and may be irregular in shape.
Stage II: A superficial open area to the upper
layer of skin. It may look like a blister, abrasion (scrape), or
shallow crater.
Stage III: A full layer of skin is destroyed.
The sore extends into the underlying subcutaneous fat or tissue
layer. The sore reaches, but does not go through, the muscle. Nonviable
(dead) tissue may be present. This is commonly black in color,
but occasionally appears to be hard red or white tissue. The nonviable
tissue, called eschar, must be removed before healing can occur.
Stage IV: A full thickness skin loss with extensive
destruction. Tissue necrosis occurs, and damage often extends to
the muscle, bone, and supporting structures (such as tendon or
joint capsule). Note: Undermining and sinus tracts may also be
associated with Stage IV pressure sores. These areas are not visible
from the surface of the wound. They are deep tunnels that may extend
far back under the resident's skin. Like a Stage III sore, if eschar
is present, it must be removed before healing can occur.
If a loved is in a nursing home and you feel that
have been abused or neglected, please contact The Rasansky Law
Firm immediately to discuss your legal rights and options regarding
your loved one in a nursing home.
For more information about Nursing Home Claims,
you can also visit www.nursinghomelawyer.com,
a Rasansky Law Firm speciality site devoted exclusively to Nursing
Home Claims, Nursing Home Abuse, Nursing Home Neglect, and Nursing
Home Rights.
Signs that a Loved
One In A Nursing Home could be in trouble include Behavioral
Problems, Changes In Physical
Conditions, Dehydration, and Immobility to
name a few.
