Bed Sores (Pressure Ulcers) and its complications

 

Bed sores or pressure ulcers remain a serious health complication for patients and nursing staff. Among older adults, pressure ulcers are related to a variety of clinical and health complications as they can lead to a longer hospital stay and are often connected with feelings of discomfort regarding pain, hygiene, and limited physical ability.

Skin characteristics change and deteriorate over the years and other health-affecting aspects come into play that negatively influence the well-being of elderly people. Pressure ulcers (PUs) are one of the most frequently reported preventable adverse events in acute and long-term care settings. Despite progress in technology, preventive measures, and increased healthcare expenditure, PUs remain a major concern. PUs occur most often in individuals with poor mobility and activity and are exposed to prolonged pressure. The elderly are especially susceptible to PU development because of their increasing age and reduced activity and mobility. As a result, PUs are a common problem in nursing homes (NHs). Several European studies reported prevalence rates ranging between 6.4% and 31.4% in nursing homes.

Nutritionists worldwide emphasize specific dietary guidelines for preventing pressure injuries and recommend including energy and protein intake. Providing nutritional supplements to malnourished individuals at risk of pressure injuries enhances their energy intake, leading to a notable decrease in the occurrence of such injuries. Nutrition and wound care professionals need to recognize the prevalence of malnutrition in all care settings by regularly screening the patient for malnutrition.

Another component of pressure ulcer prevention routines, healthcare providers use preventive dressings on bony areas of the body that are frequently exposed to friction and shear.

Silicone foam dressing and the application of multi-layer foam dressings can reduce the occurrence of PUs on various body locations such as the sacrum and the heels.

Managing pressure ulcers poses a significant and present-day challenge in hospital emergency departments. Identifying patients at greater risk is crucial for developing an early preventive care plan tailored to the specific characteristics of both patients and emergency services.

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