Pressure Ulcer Research Paper

A pressure ulcer is defined as “a localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear,” according to NPAUP. NPUAP, or the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (2007) redefined the definition and classification of a pressure ulcer in 2007. As a result of the modification, stages I-IV, the four original stages, underwent alterations to their existing classifications. In addition, two stages, deep tissue injury and unstageable resulted. Through an explanation and description of the development of a pressure ulcer and the stages, the anatomy is shown. For a pressure ulcer to develop, several processes such as a disrupting and shearing force occur …show more content…
As mentioned previously, the staging system was revised by the NPUAP in 2007. The intention of the latest revision was to “clarify each stage and reduce the number of incorrectly staged ulcers” and other wounds and lesions to the skin (Black et al., 2007, p. 346). The following descriptions provide an understanding to the development of a pressure ulcer through stage I-IV, (suspected) deep tissue injury (DTI), and unstageable. A stage I pressure ulcer is currently defined by the NPUAP (2007) as “non-blanchable redness of a localized area” to intact skin. According to the NPUAP (2007), the area could change the skin temperature, warmth or coolness, or the tissue consistency, firm or soft, compare to the opposite area or “adjacent tissue.” In addition, the appearance of a stage I pressure ulcer in lightly pigmented skin may appear in an area of persistent redness, whereas dark skin tones may appear with persistent red, blue or purple tones (Gillick, Sheerin, 2004, p. 35). In a stage II pressure ulcer, there is damage to the epidermis and into the dermis, located directly above subcutaneous tissue. The damage to the dermis presents a partial thickness tissue loss and the appearance of a “shallow open ulcer with a red or pink wound bed without slough” and a serum-filled blister may appear (Back et al., 2007, p. …show more content…
The most effective technique to reduce the development of a pressure ulcer is to change positions frequently (Falcon, 2012, p. 2). If an individual is confined to a bed or wheelchair, they should reposition every fifteen minutes on their own, or if assistance is necessary every one to two hours (p. 2). If an individual does not remove pressure after remaining on a hard surface for three-fifteen minutes, “the skin shows increased perfusion” or hyperaemia, which indicates that the blood flow is impaired (Lidman, Sjoberg & Thorfinn, 2009, p. 82). Also, an individual with limited mobility should frequently check their skin for signs of a developing pressure ulcer. Characteristic of an early pressure ulcer forming include pain, warmth or coolness, or softness or hardness to the area (Falcon, 2012, p. 2). However, discoloration of the area varies on the color of the individual’s

Show More