Decubitus Ulcers, Pressure Sores, & Bedsores Are a Serious Problem in the Nursing Home Industry

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 3 min read

Pressure ulcers and nursing staff who fail to prevent or properly treat these common injuries are a serious problem in the nursing home industry. Recent statistics have shown that thirty percent of all nursing homes in the United States commit nursing home abuse, and many of these cases involve pressure ulcers and nursing staff. Nursing professionals have a legal and ethical duty to prevent the deterioration of a patient’s physical, emotional, mental, and psychosocial well being. A patient’s development of pressure ulcers are often a good indicator that nursing staff is abusive or neglectful of their patients.

Pressure ulcers and nursing staff efforts to avoid these common injuries require prompt and adequate prevention and management of these conditions. Pressure ulcers are common in patients who spend an extended period of time with little or no movement, such as those who are bedridden or in a wheel chair. Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores and decubitis ulcers, develop when the skin’s blood supply is cut off for a period longer than two hours or so. This causes the affected skin to atrophy (die) and may also lead to infection. If left untreated, pressure ulcers can grow bigger and invade deeper tissue systems, eating away at muscles, bones, tendons, and other tissues.

In terms of pressure ulcers and nursing staff responsibility, there are a variety of things that nursing professionals can do in order to prevent pressure ulcers. Proper skin care and hygiene is necessary to ensure that skin is kept clean, dry, moisturized and away from harmful substances. Nursing staff must periodically check a patient who is immobile for any signs of pressure ulcers. They must also be careful not to drag or pull a patient from the bed or wheelchair, as this too can aggravate or lead to pressure ulcers.

Frequent repositioning and turning of a patient is also important to prevent pressure sores. There are also bedding materials and special pressure releasing equipment that can be used to reduce the risk of developing pressure sores. Physical therapy programs should be implemented for patients at risk for developing pressure sores and nursing staff have a responsibility to ensure that this therapy is carried out. Proper nutrition is also crucial to avoid pressure ulcers and nursing staff have a duty to serve foods that are high in protein, vitamins and minerals. Patients are more prone to pressure ulcers when they are under weight and suffer malnutrition.

In addition to preventing pressure ulcers, nursing staff also have a duty to treat patients who suffer this life threatening skin condition. The affected area must be clean, dry, and kept away from exposure to infectious bacteria. Infection is a serious risk for pressure ulcers and nursing staff should take every precaution to prevent and treat infections. Nursing staff can administer medications that can help manage and treat pressure ulcers. Nursing professionals have a duty to ensure that pressure sores are properly treated and that they do not get worse.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.