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Pressure Ulcer Research Paper

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In this assignment, I will discuss how pressure ulcers are essentially a severe problem with in healthcare setting and how prevention is accountable in the development in pressure ulcers. I will also address several ways to prevent pressure ulcers, reducing the risk factors, the responsibility of the duty of care of patients and the use of risk assessment tools. We must remove the risk to prevent pressure ulcers. Methods used is researched and reviewed articles discussing the responsibility of the healthcare staff.

Pressure Ulcer Sores
Pressure ulcers also known as pressure sores bedsores and decubitus ulcers, are confined damaged to the skin and/or underlying tissue that usually occur over bony prominence because of pressure in combination with shear and/or friction. These sores affect 9% of patients admitted to hospital and 23% of those admitted to nursing homes. Early detection and treatment accelerates recovery and reduces complications. …show more content…
The most common sites are the skin overlying the sacrum, coccyx, heels or the hips, but other sites such as elbows, knees, ankles, back of the shoulders, or the back of the cranium can be affected.
Pressure ulcers occur due to pressure applied to soft tissue resulting in completely or partially obstructed blood flow to the soft tissue. Shear is also a cause, as it can pull on blood vessels that feed the skin. Pressure ulcer most commonly develop in individuals who are not moving about, such as those bedridden or confined to a wheelchair. It is widely believed that other factors can influence the tolerance of the skin for pressure and shear, thereby increasing the risk of pressure ulcer

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