Decubitus + pressure sores

Pressure sores or a decubitus ulcers are preventable with proper care.

A pressure sore is defined as a localized area of tissue injury that develops when soft tissue is compressed between a bony prominence and an external surface for a prolonged period of time. The external surface may be a mattress, a chair or wheelchair, or even other parts of the body.

Pressure sores usually correlate to the positioning of the patient. Bed-bound pressure sores form on or around the heels, the hipbone, the lower back or tailbone and the buttocks. Pressure ulcers can also develop along the spine, ankles, knees, shoulders, and head, depending upon the position of the patient. The prevention of these pressure sores starts with failure of a nursing home to care and plan that addresses a patient’s risk for skin breakdown and implements a prevention plan.

Pressure sores lead to serious infection and sepsis that often can only be treated as an inpatient in the hospital or wound care center.

In order to prevent pressure sores each patient needs an individualized care plan designed to assure that the patient will not develop a pressure sore. The precautions which should be taken in every instance include:

1. A thorough assessment of the patient’s risk for developing a pressure sore;
2. Special mattresses and support devices used to relieve pressure;
3. Nutrition and hydration must be maintained;
4. Regular and continued repositioning of the patient;
5. Continuing reassessment of the patient’s risk;
6. Regular bathing and good hygiene;
7. If the patient is incontinent the patient must be kept clean and dry;
8. Lifting techniques must be used to avoid shear and friction injuries;
9. Involve the patient and family in the care plan.

• Truck + car accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Drug liability
• Wrongful death claims
• Construction accidents
• Nursing home injuries
  • Decubitus + pressure sores
• Pharmacy + prescription errors
• ATV injuries
• Defective product claims
• Consumer class action
• Aviation incidents
• Injuries to children
• Train accidents