The safety problems I have identified in a long term care facility are the increase incidence of pressure ulcers in the elderly population. Pressure ulcers are localized skin alterations over a bony prominence resulting in tissue damage due to a decrease in blood supply. They are often found in persons who are bed or chair bound in long term care facilities because of a decrease in mobility and predisposing health comorbidities. Pressure ulcers can damage skin tissue from muscle to the bone thus resulting in deep tissue infections and long term treatments with antibiotics.
An audit of the nursing documentation of patients who acquired pressure ulcers within days of admission in the nursing facility showed a lack of knowledge in skin assessments
An audit of the nursing documentation of patients who acquired pressure ulcers within days of admission in the nursing facility showed a lack of knowledge in skin assessments