What is an unstageable bed sore?

According to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP), an unstageable bed sore is defined as, “full thickness tissue loss in which the base of the ulcer is covered by slough (yellow, tan, gray, green or brown) and/or eschar (tan, brown or black) in the wound bed.

The NPUAP further defines unstageable bed sores as “enough slough and/or eschar is removed to expose the base of the wound, the true depth, and therefore stage, cannot be determined. Stable (dry, adherent, intact without erythema or fluctuance) eschar on the heels serves as “the body’s natural (biological) cover” and should not be removed.”  Obviously, an unstageable bed sore is considered to be severe and requires immediate medical attention.

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