Pressure sores, also known as bed sores and pressure ulcers, are quick to develop but can take a long time to heal. They can be debilitating, extremely painful and, if left untreated, could be fatal. However, with proper nursing care they can also be prevented. Pressure sores as a result of medical negligence are, unfortunately, all too common.
Causes of pressure sores
Pressure sores occur as a direct result of unrelieved pressure and distortion of the skin and underlying tissue.
The extra pressure disrupts the flow of blood through to the skin and, without adequate blood flow, the area of skin becomes starved of oxygen and nutrients. The skin can then begin to break down and an ulcer forms.
People with health conditions which limit their mobility are most at risk of developing pressure sores. The elderly can often be at risk of developing sores due to a lack of mobility, and so pressure sores occur in care homes as well as in hospital.
Grades of pressure sores
Pressure sores are divided into four different grades, depending on the severity of the sore:
- Grade 1: Discolouration of the skin.
- Grade 2: Partial thickness skin loss, presents like a blister.
- Grade 3: Full thickness skin loss, but damage of subcutaneous tissue, presents like a deep crater.
- Grade 4: Full thickness skin loss with extensive necrosis extending to the underlying tissue.
Prevention of pressure sores
Pressure sores can be easily prevented through good nursing care. Every patient who has or is going to have reduced mobility should undergo an assessment, whether in hospital or a care home.
Pressure sore treatment
By risk assessing patients then putting in place appropriate care plans the risk of pressure sores developing is reduced, and could mean that they do not develop at all.
It should be realised that sometimes (despite a high level of nursing care) some patients will still develop pressure sores due to irreversible tissue hypoxia (where the tissue is deprived of adequate oxygen). However, in our experience, most of our clients have developed pressure sores in situations where they could have been prevented.
Once a pressure sore has been identified, a further assessment of the patient should be undertaken, and a revised repositioning plan put into place to avoid the sore worsening.
