Skin Integrity (Pediatric) - Protocol (UNC) Purpose: To identify nursing care for pediatric patients (newborn - 18 years) with potential for alterations in skin integrity

Pressure ulcers, also commonly known as bedsores, decubitus ulcers, and pressure sores, are among the most serious skin injuries. These tender or inflamed patches develop when skin covering a weight-bearing part of the body is squeezed between bone and another body part or some other hard object. The ulceration results from the loss of blood flow and oxygen (ischemic hypoxia) to the tissues owing to prolonged pressure on a body part.

Pressure Ulcers: Stages I, II, III, IV - Protocol (UNC) Purpose: To outline the nursing care of patients with pressure ulcers

Nursing, Fall 2004 ACCORDING TO THE National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, most pressure ulcers are treatable and most are preventable-yet patients still die of pressure-ulcer-related complications. One way you can make a difference in your patient's care is by learning how support surfaces, such as mattress overlays, mattress replacements, and specialized beds, relieve or redistribute pressure on skin and prevent pressure ulcers from forming or worsening. To understand why support surfaces help, first consider the pathophysiology of pressure ulcer formation.

Nursing Homes, April 1997 Making sure that nursing home staff is up-to-speed