Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Sores

Abstract

Even though easily prevented, pressure sores occur frequently. The consequences of allowing pressure sores to develop are great. Pressure sores are costly and disabling, both physically and psychologically. his article presents 1) criteria for recognizing the stages of potential skin breakdown: hyperemia, ischemia, necrosis, and ulceration; 2) areas most vulnerable to skin lesions when the patient is in different positions; 3) responsibility for pressure sore prevention; 4) prevention of pressure sores by routine relief of pressure from susceptible areas; and 5) treatment of pressure sores.