Pressure sores (decubiti) are the bane of
people who are bedridden, elderly and paraplegics especially. In
addition to the unrelenting pressure of lying in one position,
malnutrition, and especially protein deprivation, play significant roles
in their development.
- Common sites include: sacrum, hips,
heels and elbows.
- Factors either contributing or at least
predicting risk include:
- Poor nutrition in general
- Low albumin and prealbumin
- For some reason, low serum
cholesterol
- Reduced tissue oxygenation
(atherosclerosis and especially diabetes)
- Secondary infection is common and may
lead to septicemia.
It's always easier to prevent a decuitus
than cure one.
-
 Prevent
the patient from lying in place for extended times.
-
Roll
the person form side to side to prevent continuous pressure on a
single area.
- Today, there are
air mattresses that
continually rotate areas of inflation so that no single area of a
person's back or extremities are at risk.
- Ensure tissue oxygenation and
provide adequate nutrition.
But even with the best of care, a bedsore
can occur. So what do you do? |
