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Pressure Ulcer Hospitalizations Skyrocket
Posted on Dec 10, 2008
A new government study has found that there has been a shocking 80% increase in hospitalizations due to pressure ulcers. The study compared data from 1993 to 2006. In 2006, 45,000 patients were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of pressure ulcers (also called bed sores, pressure sores, or decubitus ulcers). Over 450,000 patients were hospitalized with a secondary diagnosis of pressure ulcers.
Our website contains an significant information about the causes and treatments for pressure ulcers and photographs of pressure ulcers. The most important point is that pressure ulcers are preventable in most cases. As the name suggests, pressure ulcers are caused by pressure. Likewise pressure ulcers are preventable by reducing pressure. The most important nursing treatment to prevent pressure ulcers is to turn and reposition patients at least every 2 hours. When a patient is left in the same position blood flow is decreased to the skin and tissues. The decreased blood flow causes the skin and tissues to become oxygen starved. Without oxygen the skin and tissue will become injured and eventually die if pressure is not relieved.
Pressure ulcers are not only painful, they can be deadly. Pressure ulcers are prone to infection. With "superbugs" like MRSA and Vancomycin-resistant enterococci bacteria (VRE), local infections can spread through the bloodstream causing sepsis and bacteremia. These serious conditions are very often fatal.
At Williamson & Lavecchia, L.C. we represent patients who have suffered from pressure ulcers at hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities throughout Virginia. Please feel free to contact us at (804) 288-1661 or click here to email us for a free consultation.
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