Geris quickfire

Question 1

Waterlow score
a) What is it?
b) Criteria

Answer 1

a) Risk of developing pressure sores

b) Age, sex, weight, nutritional status, continence, mobility, skin type

Question 2

Pressure sores
a) Best dressings for infected sores vs non-infected sores
b) Grading
c) Indications for IV Abx

Answer 2

a) infected: Calcium alginate
non-infected: protease modulating dressing

b) - Grade 1: non-blanchable erythema of intact skin
- Grade 2: partial thickness through epidermis +/- dermis
- Grade 3: full thickness with necrosis, but not through underlying fascia
- Grade 4: extensive destruction and necrosis, affecting underlying muscle, bone, etc.

c) - Spreading cellulitis
- Sepsis
- Osteomyelitis

Question 3

C. diff colitis
a) Best way to diagnose

Answer 3

a) Stool for c. diff TOXIN

(note: around 10% people are carriers of c. diff so c. diff bacterial culture not very useful for diagnosing c. diff COLITIS)