An estimated 2.5 to three million patients are treated each year for pressure ulcers in the United States. Approximately 60,000 deaths occur each year as a result of pressure ulcers. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, these wounds cost $9.1 billion to $11.6 billion each year in the United States with a cost of individual patient care of $20,900 to $151,700 for each pressure ulcer. It is important to note that Medicare does not reimburse for hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. After reviewing the statistics, it is not surprising that there is a great concern regarding this topic. Pressure ulcers, also referred to as bed sores or decubitus ulcers, are caused by unrelieved pressure, lying in one position for an extended
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One of the largest is age. 70% of pressure ulcers occur in the geriatric population. This population has a decreased water content of their skin, contributing to the skin being less elastic and breaking. This population is less mobile, some in wheelchairs. The decrease in activity leads to the development of pressure ulcers.
Malnutrition is another risk factor. The risk of developing a pressure ulcer is higher in those individuals who are overweight and in those who are underweight, especially if they are deficient in certain nutrients such as protein, zinc and vitamin C. Overweight individuals have more weight pushing on the boney prominences, causing a pressure ulcer to form. The underweight are at risk because they have less natural cushioning over the bones. When there is friction, between the bone and another surface, an underweight person is more likely to obtain a pressure ulcer.
Pressure ulcers are often found in patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and other vascular diseases. Many times a wound will go unnoticed because the circulation was so week in that particular area of the body that the patient did not feel discomfort or any abnormalities. By the time the wound is noticed, it could have already progressed into a large
One of the largest is age. 70% of pressure ulcers occur in the geriatric population. This population has a decreased water content of their skin, contributing to the skin being less elastic and breaking. This population is less mobile, some in wheelchairs. The decrease in activity leads to the development of pressure ulcers.
Malnutrition is another risk factor. The risk of developing a pressure ulcer is higher in those individuals who are overweight and in those who are underweight, especially if they are deficient in certain nutrients such as protein, zinc and vitamin C. Overweight individuals have more weight pushing on the boney prominences, causing a pressure ulcer to form. The underweight are at risk because they have less natural cushioning over the bones. When there is friction, between the bone and another surface, an underweight person is more likely to obtain a pressure ulcer.
Pressure ulcers are often found in patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and other vascular diseases. Many times a wound will go unnoticed because the circulation was so week in that particular area of the body that the patient did not feel discomfort or any abnormalities. By the time the wound is noticed, it could have already progressed into a large