pressure ulcer
Immobility skin wound
A pressure ulcer is a wound caused by prolonged pressure on skin, typically where bone lies close to the surface—heels, tailbone, hips.
Bedridden or wheelchair-bound patients are most vulnerable.
The tissue breaks down from reduced blood flow, progressing from reddened skin to deep wounds exposing muscle or bone.
Also called bedsore or decubitus ulcer.
Pressure-induced skin ulcer
- decubitusPosition of lying down
- necrosisLocalized cell death
- escharNecrotic tissue crust
- sloughBoggy ground or cast-off skin
granulation · exudate · tissue damage · ischemia · maceration · debridement · gangrene · cellulitis
Unable to leave mattress
- bedfastConfined to mattress
- nonambulatoryUnable to walk
- wheelchair-boundDependent on rolling mobility aid
- paralysisLoss of muscle function
quadriplegia · paraplegia · confinement · sedentary · recumbent · flaccidity · atrophy · muscle wasting
Gentle, caring quality
- sorenessTender, painful sensation
- burningCombustion in progress
- throbbingRhythmic painful pulsing
- discomfortMild physical or mental distress
sensitivity · rawness · inflammation · sharp · aching · chronic pain · neuropathic · distress
Sauce for salads
- debridementRemoving damaged tissue surgically
- hydrocolloidWater-dispersible thickening substance
- alginateSeaweed-derived gelling agent
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
skin graft · irrigation · saline · healing · collagen · barrier cream
Moving to new spot
- mattressPadded sleeping surface
- cushionStuffed fabric for comfort
- offloadingTransferring goods elsewhere
- risk assessmentEvaluating likelihood of harm
mobility aids · nutrition · hydration · padding · wedge pillow · early intervention
bedsore
Pressure-induced skin ulcer
slough · granulation · exudate · tissue damage · ischemia · maceration · debridement · gangrene · cellulitis · osteomyelitis
bedridden
Unable to leave mattress
- bedfastConfined to mattress
- nonambulatoryUnable to walk
- wheelchair-boundDependent on rolling mobility aid
paralysis · quadriplegia · paraplegia · confinement · sedentary · recumbent · flaccidity · atrophy · muscle wasting · contracture
tenderness
Gentle, caring quality
discomfort · sensitivity · rawness · inflammation · sharp · aching · chronic pain · neuropathic · distress
dressing
Sauce for salads
- debridementRemoving damaged tissue surgically
- hydrocolloidWater-dispersible thickening substance
- alginateSeaweed-derived gelling agent
antimicrobial · skin graft · irrigation · saline · healing · collagen · barrier cream
repositioning
Moving to new spot
- mattressPadded sleeping surface
- cushionStuffed fabric for comfort
- offloadingTransferring goods elsewhere
risk assessment · mobility aids · nutrition · hydration · padding · wedge pillow · early intervention
sacrum
Fused vertebrae above tailbone
scapula · elbow · ankle · occiput · buttocks · hip · shoulder blade · ear · back of head
pressure ulcerburn
Damage by heat
thermal burn · chemical burn · friction burn · laceration · surgical incision
pressure, ulcer, pressures, pressed, pressing, press, pressurize, pressurized, pressurization