Prevention & care of bedsores
BEDSORES
Stage I, II, III and IV
Stage I bedsore is identified by redness to the outer skin layer.
Stage II bedsore is identified by breaking of the skin. Blistering or an open wound is often noticed.
Stage III bedsore occurs when the next layer of skin, the fatty layer, has been compromised.
Stage IV bedsore occurs when the tendons and or muscles become affected. Bed sores can develop past the tendons and muscles and become “unstageable.”
Preventing bedsores
As soon as a bedsore is detected, care providers are required to properly document it’s progress and take all measures to stop its growth. Documenting requires taking photographs, measuring the wound, and dressing it with gauze. Some measures that may be taken to prevent its growth are as follows: 1) regular manual rotations; 2) an air fluidized bed; 3) regular cleaning to the area and 4) proper nutrition.
taking.
An air-fluidized bed is one that is inflated with air. It allows for decreased pressure to the affected area. If a specialized bed as not been provided for you or your loved ones, you may want to demand one right away. These beds are costly but may be necessary to treat bed sores.
Proper hygiene is also an important preventative measure to prevent the growth and development of bacteria.
Lastly, nutrition can play a key role in the growth of a bed sore. Once a bed sore is identified, a protein-rich diet is essential to one’s healing process.
Bedsores can be prevented, however, a deep tissue injury may not. It may be helpful to think of a bedsore as an event starting from the skin and moving into the body. A Deep Tissue Injury or DTI is more like a volcano that begins from within and works itself outward. It is often difficult to diagnose or know how a DTI is formed. Once it forms, it will play itself out. Sometimes a DTI will develop into a bed sore. In such event, the same precautions are taken to treat the bed sore.
The Department of Public Health mandates that health care providers report bed sores which have are Stage III in nature. If you suspect a bed sore has developed, you can inquire into an investigation or initiate one yourself.
If you would like to speak to a legal professional regarding a bed sore issue, we are here to help you.