People with advanced bed sores, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers (stage 3 or stage 4) are particularly susceptible to developing infection- both in the wound itself and potentially systematically says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven C. Peck. In order to minimize risk of infection, care should be taken to keep the wound clean and dry. Dressings should be changed on a regular basis as ordered by a treating physician.
The following may indicate infection within the wound itself:
* Increased pain in the wound
* Edema (swelling)
* Reddening of the wound (erythema)
* Increased fluid accumulation
* Heat in the wound area
* Unusual smell
Occasionally, an infection that originates in the wound itself, can spread throughout the entire body. These situations can pose a significant health risk to the individual. Signs of systematic infection include:
* Elevated white blood cell count
* Elevated body temperature
* Cellulitis (skin infection)
* Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Because infection is a frequent complication for people with bed sores, physicians and other medical professionals should make the monitoring of existing wounds a priority. Wounds should be documented and photographed to assist in the evaluation of woulds as they heal.
Like many cases involving bed sores (also referred to as: pressure sores, pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers) the nursing homes main argument is usually that the patients wounds were 'unavoidable'.
While there may be a limited number of circumstances where skin-breakdown occurs despite the implementation of all feasible preventative measures--- most cases of bed sores simply result from downright neglect and faulty care-- the facility simply not doing its job in caring for the patients says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven C. Peck who can be contacted toll free at 1.866.999.9085.
