DECUBITUS ULCER / PRESSURE/ BEDSORE-Decubitus ulcer also knows as pressure sores.

                                             

  DECUBITUS  ULCER / PRESSURE/ BEDSORE

Decubitus ulcer also  knows as pressure sores or decubitus are venerated or sloughed areas of tissue  subjected to pressure  from lying on mattress or sitting  on a  chair for a prolonged period of time resulting in the slowing of circulation and finally  death ( NECROSIS ) of tissues.

 Pressure :- pressure is  considered  to be  primary cause  of the  pressure  sore, any  condition

1.      When there is  lumps  and  creases  other  bed

2.      Incorrect positioning of the  body .

3.      Infrequent change  of position .

 Friction  :- Friction  of the skin  with  a rough or based  substance can  cause tissue damage

Moisture :- The skin contact  with moisture for a period of time  can lead to maturation  of the  skin .

Presence  of pathogenic organism :-Lack  of cleanliness harbours pathogenic  organisms and injection settles  on the skin .

Predisposing  causes:- Impaired circulation lowered vitality Emaciation oedema . obesity

Treatment  of the Decubitus ulcer:-The following  steps are taken by the nurse:-

1.      Report to the sister in –charge and physician the early symptoms of a bedsore so that steps may be taken as early as possible to prevent further damage .

2.      When ever possible , take  of  the  pressure from the decubitus ulcer by placing the client on pillows or foam cushions or change the position of the client . ( prevent the development ) of a pressure sore in the new area.)

3.      Prevent the  ulcerated from becoming  infected. Infection will retard heaving of an ulcer. Follow strict aseptic technique.

4.      A cleaning agent is used to clean the ulcerated area e.g. normal saline .

5.      Apply  till the possible measures for the healing of the wound .

-          Heat  is applied by an electric bulb (100  watt ). This  is placed  from 45 to 60 cm away from the wound and is left in place for 10 min .

-          Application of a few drops of insulin dropped from a syringe has a healing effect on the wound . The wound is then exposed to air to dry .

-          Filling  the  ulcer cavity with granulated sugar  , A and  D ointment etc . assist the ulcer  to heal .

6.      Application of water proof ointment  e.g. zinc oxide on the surface  of the wound will prevent infection of the underlying tissues  . It  will be of much value in clients with incontinence of urine.

7.      If  slough  is present , clean the  area thoroughly twice a day with hydrogen peroxide diluted with  distilled water . if the slough is lose , the physician may cut off the slough . If there is delay in healing of the wound , the surgeon may debride the ulcer and skin graft may be applied over the ulcerated site.

8.      If infection  is settled  , If may be necessary to give  some of antibodies prescribed by the physician.