Pressure sores Flashcards
1
Q
Define pressure sores
A
Damage to skin, usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure
2
Q
Aetiology of pressure sores
2
A
Constant pressure limits blood flow to skin leading to tissue damage
Occur as a result of pressure, friction & shear
3
Q
Risk factors for pressure sores
3
A
IMMOBILITY
Alzheimer’s disease
Diabetes
4
Q
Epidemiology of pressure sores
prevalence, age
A
VERY COMMON in hospitals
Most commonly occur in elderly
5
Q
Presenting symptoms & signs of pressure sores
4
A
Occur over bony prominences - most commonly sacrum & heel
Can be staged from 1-4
Very tender
May become infected leading to fever, erythema & foul smell
6
Q
Investigations for pressure sores
3
A
NO investigations necessary
Clinical diagnosis
Waterlow score used to predict risk of pressure sores in patients
