Pressure Sores

Question 1

What is a pressure ulcer?

Answer 1

localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue as a result of pressure

Question 2

Where do pressure ulcers typically occur?

Answer 2

over a bony prominence (e.g. the heal)

Question 3

Give 6 risk factors for pressure ulcers:

Answer 3

1) limited mobility
2) loss of sensation
3) increased age
4) nutritional deficiency
5) cognitive impairment
6) conditions that cause inadequate blood flow to the skin

Question 4

Give 4 conditions that cause inadequate blood flow to the skin:

Answer 4

1) hypotension
2) diabetes
3) heart failure
4) peripheral vascular disease

Question 5

Summarise the diagnostic criteria for pressure ulcers:

Answer 5

anyone with risk factors who develops evidence of skin damage over a bony prominence/ area of high pressure

Question 6

What is the name of the classification system that categorises pressure ulcers based on their depth?

Answer 6

The NPUAP-EPUAP Pressure Ulcer Classification System

Question 7

Summarise the NPUAP-EPUAP Pressure Ulcer Classification System:

Answer 7

1) stage 1 - non-blanchable erythema
2) stage 2 - partial thickness skin loss
3) stage 3 - full thickness skin loss
4) stage 4 - full thickness tissue loss

Question 8

Name 4 tools that can be used to calculate the risk of pressure ulcers:

Answer 8

1) Braden Risk Assessment
2) Waterlow Score
3) Norton risk assessment scale
4) PURPOSE-T

Question 9

Give 4 methods used to prevent pressure sores:

Answer 9

1) regular skin assessments for those at risk
2) offloading devices (pillows, wedges, splints)
3) prophylactic dressing devices
4) constant low pressure devices (gel or foam pads)

Question 10

Give 4 treatment methods for pressure sores:

Answer 10

1) foam mattresses or dynamic support surface
2) wound debridement and dressing
3) consider antibiotics if there are signs of osteomyelitis, sepsis or cellulitis
4) nutritional risk assessment