Pressure Sores Flashcards
What is a pressure sore.
They are due to skin ischaemia from sustained pressure over a bony prominence.
What are the most common sites for pressure sores. (2)
Heel.
Sacrum.
Who are pressure sores most common in. (4)
Elderly, immobile, unconscious or paralysed patients.
How many grades of pressure sores are there.
1-4.
What is a grade 1 pressure sore.
Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin.
What is a grade 2 pressure sore.
partial thickness skin loss of epidermis/dermis (blister or shallow ulcer).
What is a grade 3 pressure sore.
Full thickness skin loss involving subcutaneous tissue but not fascia.
What is a stage 4 pressure sore. (2)
Full thickness skin loss with involvement of muscle/bone/tendon/joint capsule.
What are the risk factors for developing pressure sores. (4)
Prolonged immobility.
Decreased sensation.
Vascular disease.
Poor nutrition.
What are some vascular causes of pressure sore development. (3)
Atherosclerosis.
DM.
Scleroderma.
What are some poor nutritional factors for the development of pressure sores. (3)
Anaemia.
Hypoalbuminaemia.
Vitamin C or zinc deficiency.
Where do the majority of pressure sores occur.
In hospital.
What percentage of pressure sores appear within 2 weeks of hospitalization.
70%.
What percentage of pressure sores occur in orthopaedic patients.
70%.
What percentage of pressure sores occur in the community.
Between 20-30%.