Authors

  1. Section Editor(s): Hess, Cathy Thomas BSN, RN, CWOCN

Article Content

An overview of chronic wound characteristics.

 

PRESSURE ULCERS

Predisposing Factors/Cause

Multiple medical diagnoses, age, impaired mobility, decreased mental status, poor nutritional status, incontinence, impaired circulation

 

Location and Depth

On heels, sacrum, coccyx, occiput, any bony prominences subjected to pressure, friction, or shear; depth ranges from persistent red, blue, or purple area of intact skin (depending on skin color) to deep destruction and loss of tissue

 

Wound Bed and Wound Appearance

Extensive necrotic tissue may be present (usually greater than suggested by wound's external appearance); extensive undermining, sinus tracts, or tunneling may be present

 

FIGURE

  
Figure. No caption a... - Click to enlarge in new windowFigure. No caption available.

Exudate/Drainage

Amount varies

 

Wound Shape and Margins

Usually well-defined; shape frequently is round but will conform to cause of ulcer and may be irregular if large

 

Surrounding Skin

Should be dry; clinical infection is indicated by redness, warmth, induration or harness, and/or swelling

 

Pain

Varies

 

Healing

Must eliminate/reduce pressure, shear, and friction and implement appropriate skin care for healing

 

Photo: Baranoski S, Ayello E. Wound Care Essentials: Practice Principles. Springhouse, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.