Post by Julie Glynn
Copyright (c) 2010 Julie Glynn
Just before looking at the pressure ulcer grades, it is worth seeking at precisely what a pressure ulcer is, and how it is caused. A pressure ulcer is an location of skin that reddens due to lack of mobility from the patient. Usually the patient is forced to lie in 1 position for a prolonged period due to mental or physical incapacity. If the hospital or care house fails to move the patient, or location them on an air mattress, the reddening of the skin can create and form into an ulcer (blister in appearance) which can break and grow to be infected. Pressure ulcers are graded from 1 to 4 based on their severity.
Grade 1 Pressure Ulcers. At this stage the pressure ulcer presents itself by the skin turning into a red colour, comparable to the skin instantly right after a minor burn. The skin may possibly also appear a little harder than usual and than the surrounding areas. It may also be warmer than usual.
Grade 2 Pressure Ulcers. At Grade 2 the skin now starts to look like a blister, with whitening of the skin whereas just before it was red. It will now look like an abrasion or a blister. The skin can also appear cracked and broken.
Grade three Pressure Ulcers. By Grade 3 the ulcer has normally began to open. The skin beneath is a lot more visible and red. There may be a smell emanating from the ulcer. It now looks unpleasant.
Grade 4 Pressure Ulcers. There is now a deep ulcer with broken skin and you can see down via the layers of skin usually including damage into the muscle, bone or supporting structures. Grade 4 ulcers can be life threatening.
Treatment For Pressure Ulcers. Depending on the severity of the ulcer treatment can include debridement of the area, removing as considerably of the infection as possible, dressings, sleeping on an air mattress and normal turning of an imobile patient. Adjustments to diet plan, ensuring that the patient receives plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is also suggested, along with physical exercise where this is doable. Prevention is far greater than cure when it comes to pressure sores. If you notice everyone that is in the care of a hospital or care property creating red, sore or harder areas of skin this really should immediately be brought to the attention of the treatment provider. They can then commence to take the action above. Usually due to the hospital or care property staff being so busy they may miss the development of pressure ulcers. This is why it is so crucial that the family members and friends of the patient are aware of how pressure ulcers develop as they could be instrumental in noticing the development of it and ensuring treatment when the patient is not capable of this.
What Can You Do? If you, a family member or friend has sustained pressure ulcers or pressure sores as a result of a remain in hospital, a care home or any other treatment centre, we can examine the circumstances of your injury and advise you whether you can make a claim for compensation.
Compensation For Pressure Ulcers/ Pressure Sores. Due to the discomfort, discomfort and suffering experienced by the patient, awards for compensation for pressure ulcers can be significant, usually in excess of £20 - 30,000.
Summary. Pressure ulcers can be a minor nuisance, however if left untreated they can turn out to be a major, even fatal problem. Taking early preventative action can save a considerable quantity of discomfort and suffering.
About the Author
Seeking For Medical Negligence No Win No Fee Solicitors: http://www.glynns.co.uk/articles/medical-negligence-no-win-no-fee.php?
Glynns Solicitors are specialist medical negligence solicitors helping clients across the UK - see much more at: http://www.glynns.co.uk/medical-negligence.php
Julie Glynn is a solicitor at Glynns.
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