Current Category: Assessment

What is exudate?

Many clinicians will note that a bed sore has ‘exudate’ in or around the wound when describing bed sore.  Exudate is fluid, such as pus, that leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues. The fluid is made of cells, proteins, and solid materials. Because a wound may be covered… read more »

What is ‘eschar’ and why is it used when describing bed sores?

Eschar is dead tissue that is cast off from the surface of the skin that is frequently seen in bed sores. Sometimes physicians also refer to eschar as a “black wound” because the wound is covered with thick, dry, black necrotic tissue. It is important for health professionals to document… read more »

How does the use of the Braden Scale help in the prevention of bed sores?

The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk is a universally accepted tool to help staff in nursing homes and hospitals identify individuals who may be at risk for developing bed sores (also called decubitus ulcers, pressure sores or pressures ulcers).  The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk evaluates… read more »

What information should a facility document in individuals with bed sores?

Assessment and documentation of bed sores / wounds should be carried out at least weekly. The exception is when there is evidence of deterioration, in which case both the wound and the patient’s overall management must be reassessed immediately. When wound complications or changes in wound characteristics are noted, documentation… read more »

What are the stages of bed sores?

Bed sores are categorized by severity, from Stage I (earliest signs) to Stage IV (worst): Stage I: A reddened area on the skin that, when pressed, is “non-blanchable” (does not turn white). This indicates that a pressure ulcer is starting to develop. Stage II: The skin blisters or forms an… read more »

Bed Sore
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