Nursing Diagnosis Pressure Ulcer

Pressure ulcers are areas of skin that break down when a person stays in the same position for too long. The risk of developing a pressure ulcer increases as a person ages, but proper nutrition and movement can help prevent them.

Nursing Diagnosis Pressure Ulcer

1 Pressure ulcers are areas of skin that break down when a person stays in the same position for too long.

Pressure ulcers are areas of skin that break down when a person stays in the same position for too long. They can form in any part of the body that rests on a surface for a long time, such as the heels and tailbone or underneath an abdominal binder.

A pressure ulcer (or bed sore) is an area of damage to tissue usually due to prolonged pressure or force applied over bony prominences. Common sites include heels, hips, elbows and tailbones. Pressure sores are seen most often under mattresses, which can give rise to friction between sheets and mattress as well as heat buildup from body weight pressing against them over time.

2 The risk of developing a pressure ulcer increases as a person ages.

People who are older are more likely to develop pressure ulcers. The risk of developing a pressure ulcer increases as a person ages, and older people make up the majority of patients in long-term care facilities.

Older people may have other health problems that make them more vulnerable to pressure ulcers. For example, if an older person has diabetes or heart disease, their circulation is not as good as it used to be and they are at increased risk for developing a skin breakdown caused by prolonged exposure to pressure.

Older people may also have difficulty moving around on their own, which can put them at greater risk for developing skin breakdowns from prolonged contact with surfaces such as chairs and beds made of hard materials like metal or plastic.

3 A pressure ulcer can form in any part of the body that rests on a surface for a long time, including the back, buttocks, heels, elbows and tailbone.

Pressure ulcers can form in any part of the body that rests on a surface for a long time, including the back, buttocks, heels, elbows and tailbone. The risk of developing a pressure ulcer increases as people age.

• A pressure ulcer (also called bed sore) develops when soft tissue under the skin is damaged by pressure against it over time. The longer the pressure lasts, the more damage there will be. The most common areas where these sores develop are: ankles; hips; heels; tailbones; elbows; backs of knees/thighs/hips while lying face down in bed or sitting in an armchair with poor cushioning.

4 When pressure is applied to an area for too long, it squeezes blood vessels and decreases blood flow to that area.

When pressure is applied to an area for too long, it squeezes blood vessels and decreases blood flow to that area. The result is that the tissue eventually dies.

Pressure ulcers are caused by sitting or lying in one position for too long or by being overweight or underweight. If there is no underlying cause, such as cancer, diabetes or malnutrition, then treatments may be effective. But if you have a medical condition that affects your mobility (such as osteoporosis) the risk of developing a pressure ulcer increases as well. The risk of developing a pressure ulcer also increases as you age — by more than 200% between 55 years old and 65 years old.

5 There are four stages of pressure ulcers. The first stage is when the skin is red and irritated. Stage two is when there is slight damage to the skin with some bleeding but no destruction of the skin layers below. Stage three is when there is damage through all layers of skin which looks like a deep crater. Stage four describes damage through all layers of skin and into underlying tissue.

The first stage of a pressure ulcer is when the skin is red, irritated and painful. The second stage of a pressure ulcer is when there is slight damage to the skin with some bleeding but no destruction of the skin layers below. Stage three describes damage through all layers of skin which looks like a deep crater. Stage four describes damage through all layers of skin and into underlying tissue (muscle or bone).

6 Pressure ulcers are caused by sitting or lying in one position for too long or by being overweight or underweight. If there is no underlying cause, such as cancer, diabetes or malnutrition, then treatments may be effective.

People who have pressure ulcers are typically overweight or underweight. They may be sitting or lying in one position for too long, such as when they are bedridden. They may also be suffering from cancer, diabetes or malnutrition that causes their skin to be fragile and more likely to develop pressure ulcers.

If you have a skin problem that is likely to cause a pressure ulcer on your body, then treatments may be effective in preventing the development of this condition. This will depend on what caused your condition in the first place and whether there are any underlying factors that make it difficult for you to heal from minor injuries.

7 Do not stay in one position for too long and eat healthy food to prevent from having Pressure Ulcer

• Eat healthy food.
• Drink enough water.
• Exercise regularly, maintain good posture, and avoid sitting for long periods of time in one position.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol because they can increase the risk of pressure ulcers.
• Reduce stress as much as possible to prevent damage to your skin’s protective barrier and reduce the risk of developing a pressure ulcer.
• Maintain a normal weight so that you are not overly overweight or underweight—both conditions can increase your chances of developing a pressure ulcer (2).

Closing

The best way to prevent pressure ulcers is by staying active and eating healthy food. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help keep your skin healthy. If you’re at risk for developing a pressure ulcer because of diabetes or malnutrition, talk with your doctor about ways to prevent them from happening.