Pressure Ulcers

In today’s world many people suffer with ulcers. Ulcers are sore which occurs on the external surface of the body and the internal surface of the body. The way ulcers are caused is by a break in the skin that does not fully recover or fail to heal. Treating of an ulcers can happen many ways depending on which type of ulcers are present. The most common ulcers are gastric ulcers, esophageal ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. Along with these three ulcers Pressure ulcers and Stasis ulcers are usually the popular ulcers when it comes to older adults. Stasis Ulcer is also known as the Venous Stasis Ulcer. Pressure ulcer and Stasis ulcer are two different types of ulcers. Although pressure ulcer and stasis ulcer are common among older adults they are …show more content…
These sores occur when patients are not repositioned constantly. Patients who are not being repositioned or have low blood flow with suffer pressure ulcers. Some of the etiology of pressure ulcers as stated by Jones, Donna are, “poor nutritional status, posture problems, medications, reduced blood flow, and reduced mobility”. Poor nutritional status can cause pressure ulcer along reduced mobility. Reduced mobility can cause pressure ulcers by if a person is disabled they are not able to move as much and that can lead to pressure ulcers. Repositioning a patient is important if they have reduced mobility. On the other hand there is stasis ulcer also known as venous stasis ulcer which is a skin condition which occurs in people with poor circulation. The stasis ulcer usually occurs in the lower legs. The etiology of stasis ulcer which is also known as venous ulcer as stated by Beckerle, Carla Moore, “Pathogenesis of venous system can result in damage to any components of the calf muscle pump, which leads to reflux of venous insuffiency”. Reflux of venous insuffiency then leads to local ischemia, edema, hypoxia, inflammation, and eventually cell death. The etiology of this process leads to venous ulcer which is why this is another name for stasis ulcers. The etiology of pressure ulcers and stasis ulcers are very easily to develop if not taken care of properly which is why it is important to be aware of the …show more content…
Pressure ulcer can worsen if the wound if not being cleaned regularly. Some of the treatments of pressure ulcers as stated by Qaseem Amir are, “Air-fluidized bed, alternating- air bed, low- air bed, hydrocolloid dressing, radiant heat dressing, dextromoner paste, and oxandrolone.” Air- fluidized as stated by Qaseem Amir, “Redistributes pressure by forcing air through small beads in the mattress, generating a fluid like surface”. Alternating- air be, changed pressure in the mattress. Low- air bed controls heat and humidity. Hydrocolloid dressing sticks to the skin by soaking up the exudate and it is a protective gel that surrounds the wound. Radiant heat dressing increases good blood circulation. Dextromoner paste soaks up the wound exudates. Lastly, oxandrolone is a steroid that gives protein and controls weight gain. These are some of the important treatments that are provided while treating pressure ulcers. On the other hand stasis ulcer have some treatments that are also available. One of the most common treatment of stasis ulcer is compression therapy. Stated by Regmi, Sharada, “Compression therapy is a key treatment in the management of venous leg ulcer”. Compression therapy also compression stocking helps with pressure and circulation. Some other treatments that are available for stasis ulcer are checking the local wound and also by providing a care plan. Along with treatments there are some nursing