Pressure ulcers Flashcards
(16 cards)
What are the most common locations for pressure ulcers?
Bony prominences: sacrum, ischial tuberosities, greater trochanter, heels, lateral malleoli
What is a ‘Kennedy Terminal Ulcer’?
A special type of ulcer that appears butterfly-shaped over the sacrum and often precedes death
What are the four major etiological factors for pressure ulcers?
- Pressure
- Shearing forces
- Friction
- Moisture
What characterizes Stage 1 pressure ulcers?
Non-blanchable erythema, warmth, oedema, discolouration, induration
What defines Stage 2 pressure ulcers?
Partial thickness loss of epidermis, dermis or both – erosion, blister or shallow ulcer
What is the definition of Stage 3 pressure ulcers?
Full-thickness skin loss with damage to subcutaneous tissue, extending down to (but not involving) fascia, deep crater-like ulcer
What indicates Stage 4 pressure ulcers?
Destruction extending to muscle, bone or supporting structures (e.g. tendons, joint capsule)
What is a key note regarding deep tissue damage in pressure ulcers?
Extensive deep tissue damage may be accompanied initially by minimal superficial manifestations
What should be done if eschar is present in pressure ulcers?
It should be debrided first for full assessment
What is the nature of pathology in pressure ulcers?
Rather non-specific in all four stages
What are the main prevention strategies for pressure ulcers?
- Frequent position changes
- Support surfaces – air mattresses, foam products
What additional measures are important in the treatment of pressure ulcers?
- Adequate nutrition
- Education
- Pain management
- Optimisation of systemic conditions that interfere with wound healing
How should wounds be cleansed in pressure ulcer management?
As non-traumatically as possible, using warm normal saline rather than povidone-iodine or other solutions
What is important in controlling pressure ulcers?
Control bacterial colonisation/infection
Which stages of pressure ulcers are more likely to heal with local therapies?
Stage 1-3 ulcers
What is often required for Stage 4 pressure ulcers?
Surgical intervention
