Pressure Sores

Question 1

What are Pressure Sores?

Answer 1

Damage to the skin, usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure.

Question 2

Describe the aetiology of Pressure Sores

Answer 2

Constant pressure limits blood flow to the skin leading to tissue damage
They occur as a result of pressure, friction, moisture + shear

Question 3

List 7 risk factors for Pressure Sores

Answer 3

IMMOBILITY i.e. obese 
Alzheimer's disease  
Diabetes   
Hypotension  
HF 
PVD 
Increasing age

Question 4

Describe the epidemiology of Pressure Sores

Answer 4

Very COMMON in hospitals

Most commonly occurs in the ELDERLY

Question 5

What symptoms are caused by Pressure Sores?

Answer 5

Very TENDER
May be itchy
May become infected leading to fevers, erythema + foul smell 

Question 6

Where do pressure sores most commonly occur?

Answer 6

Occurs over bony prominences e.g.
SACRUM
HEEL

Question 7

How are Pressure Sores diagnosed?

Answer 7

Clinically

Question 8

What system is used to predict risk of Pressure Sores in patients?

Answer 8

Waterlow Score

Question 9

What investigations are used to diagnose pressure sores?

Answer 9

NO investigations necessary

Question 10

Describe the grading system of pressure sores

Answer 10

1. Intact skin, non blanching erythema
2. Partial thickness loss of dermis
3. Full thickness skin loss, SC tissue may be visible
4. Full thickness tissue loss + exposed bone, tendon + muscle