Raetz JG, Wick KH, et al.
American family physician. Date of publication 2015 Nov 15;volume 92(10):888-94.
1. Am Fam Physician. 2015 Nov 15;92(10):888-94.
Common Questions About Pressure Ulcers.
Raetz JG(1), Wick KH(1).
Author information:
(1)University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Comment in
Am Fam Physician. 2017 Jun 15;95(12):757.
Patients with limited mobility due to physical or cognitive impairment are at
risk of pressure ulcers. Primary care physicians should examine at-risk patients
because pressure ulcers are often missed in inpatient, outpatient, and long-term
care settings. High-risk patients should use advanced static support surfaces to
prevent pressure ulcers and air-fluidized beds to treat pressure ulcers.
Physicians should document the size and clinical features of ulcers. Cleansing
should be done with saline or tap water, while avoiding caustic agents, such as
hydrogen peroxide. Dressings should promote a moist, but not wet, wound healing
environment. The presence of infection is determined through clinical judgment;
if uncertain, a tissue biopsy should be performed. New or worsening pain may
indicate infection of a pressure ulcer. When treating patients with pressure
ulcers, it is important to keep in mind the patient's psychological, behavioral,
and cognitive status. The patient's social, financial, and caregiver resources,
as well as goals and long-term prognosis, should also be considered in the
treatment plan.
PMID: 26554282 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
