PRESSURE ULCERS

• Pressure ulcer 


  Localized damage to the skin and underlying tissues
• Causes of ulcer 


  Pressure, shear, friction, or a combination of these
• Ulcers results in:

  • Reduced blood flow
  • Cell death
  • Skin breakdown
  • Development of open wound
• People who are likely to get ulcers:

  • Wheel chair bound
  • Bed bound
• PATIENTS AT RISK FOR PRESSURE ULCERS

  • Chronic illness
  • Dehydration
  • Poor circulation
  • Fractured
• COMMON LOCATIONS OF PRESSURE ULCERS

  • Greater trochanter
  • Sacrum
  • Heel
  • Lower back
  • Shoulder blade
• Stages of ulcers

  1. Changing colour of the skin
  2. Skin breakdown and irritation, partial thickness loss
  3. Full thickness loss, tissues damaged
  4. Extensive destruction, damage to the muscle and bones