Pressure ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers, bedsores, or pressure sores, range in
severity from reddening of the skin to severe craters with exposed muscle or bone.
Pressure ulcers significantly threaten the well being of patients with limited mobility.
Approximately 70 percent of ulcers occur in individuals older than 65 years, but younger
patients with neurologic impairment or severe illness are also susceptible
says California Elder Abuse Lawyer Steven Peck.
Prevalence rates range from 4.7 to 32.1 percent in hospital settings and from 8.5 to 22 percent in nursing homes. Pressure ulcers are caused by unrelieved pressure applied with greatforce over a short period of time or less force over a longer period that disrupts bloodsupply to the capillary network, depriving tissues of oxygen and nutrients. The most common sites for pressure ulcers are the sacrum, heels, ischial tuberosities, greatertrochanters, and lateral malleoli.
Tissues are capable of withstanding enormous pressures when brief in duration, but
prolonged exposure to pressures slightly above capillary filling pressure leads to
ischemia and ulceration. According to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel,pressure sores typically develop in four stages:
• Stage I: Intact skin with non-blanchable redness of a localized area usually over
a bony prominence. Darkly pigmented skin may not have visible blanching; its
color may differ from the surrounding area.
• Stage II: Partial thickness loss of dermis presenting as a shallow open ulcer with
a red pink wound bed, without slough. May also present as an intact or
open/ruptured serum-filled blister.
• Stage III: Full thickness tissue loss. Subcutaneous fat may be visible but bone,
tendon or muscle are not exposed. Slough may be present but does not obscure
the depth of tissue loss. May include undermining and tunneling.
• Stage IV: Full thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon or muscle.
Slough or eschar may be present on some parts of the wound bed. Often include
undermining and tunneling.
Although elderly residents are awarded certain nursing home rights, some facilities, either unknowingly or intentionally, may violate these basic rights. If you suspect your loved one is being abused in a nursing home or otherwise deprived of their nursing home resident rights, such as bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition, infection, under staffing, physical abuse, you should immediately contact us toll free at 1.866.999.9085 or on-line at www.thepecklawgroup.com for a free thorough case review and evaluation. This case review is being offered at no cost and shall help determine whether you should take legal action on behalf of your elder / dependent adult loved one. We Will Help You!!
