Post by Julie Glynn
Copyright (c) 2010 Julie Glynn
Before looking at the pressure ulcer grades, it is worth seeking at precisely what a pressure ulcer is, and how it is caused. A pressure ulcer is an region of skin that reddens due to lack of mobility from the patient. Frequently the patient is forced to lie in one position for a prolonged period due to mental or physical incapacity. If the hospital or care property fails to move the patient, or place them on an air mattress, the reddening of the skin can develop and form into an ulcer (blister in appearance) which can break and turn out to be infected. Pressure ulcers are graded from 1 to four based on their severity.
Grade 1 Pressure Ulcers. At this stage the pressure ulcer presents itself by the skin turning into a red colour, similar to the skin immediately right after a minor burn. The skin may also appear a little harder than usual and than the surrounding areas. It may possibly also be warmer than usual.
Grade 2 Pressure Ulcers. At Grade 2 the skin now starts to look like a blister, with whitening of the skin whereas before it was red. It will now look like an abrasion or a blister. The skin can also appear cracked and broken.
Grade 3 Pressure Ulcers. By Grade three the ulcer has typically began to open. The skin beneath is much more visible and red. There might be a smell emanating from the ulcer. It now looks unpleasant.
Grade 4 Pressure Ulcers. There is now a deep ulcer with broken skin and you can see down by way of the layers of skin frequently including damage into the muscle, bone or supporting structures. Grade 4 ulcers can be life threatening.
Treatment For Pressure Ulcers. Depending on the severity of the ulcer treatment can incorporate debridement of the area, removing as a lot of the infection as achievable, dressings, sleeping on an air mattress and standard turning of an imobile patient. Modifications to diet, ensuring that the patient receives plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is also suggested, along with exercise where this is feasible. Prevention is far better than cure when it comes to pressure sores. If you notice anyone that is in the care of a hospital or care home developing red, sore or harder areas of skin this really should right away be brought to the attention of the treatment provider. They can then start off to take the action above. Often due to the hospital or care property staff becoming so busy they could miss the development of pressure ulcers. This is why it is so crucial that the loved ones and pals of the patient are aware of how pressure ulcers create as they could be instrumental in noticing the development of it and ensuring treatment when the patient is not capable of this.
What Can You Do? If you, a family members member or friend has sustained pressure ulcers or pressure sores as a result of a stay in hospital, a care residence or any other treatment centre, we can examine the circumstances of your injury and advise you no matter whether you can make a claim for compensation.
Compensation For Pressure Ulcers/ Pressure Sores. Due to the discomfort, discomfort and suffering experienced by the patient, awards for compensation for pressure ulcers can be significant, frequently in excess of £20 - 30,000.
Summary. Pressure ulcers can be a minor nuisance, however if left untreated they can turn out to be a major, even fatal difficulty. Taking early preventative action can save a considerable amount of discomfort and suffering.
About the Author
Searching For Medical Negligence No Win No Fee Solicitors: http://www.glynns.co.uk/articles/medical-negligence-no-win-no-fee.php?
Glynns Solicitors are specialist medical negligence solicitors helping clients across the UK - see far more at: http://www.glynns.co.uk/medical-negligence.php
Julie Glynn is a solicitor at Glynns.
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