The following information was copied verbatim from the AHCPR Guidelines, which is consistent with the recommendations of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) Consensus Development Conference:
Stage 1
Nonblanchable erythema of intact skin, the heralding lesion of skin ulceration. In individuals with darker skin, discoloration of the skin, warmth, edema, induration, or hardness may also be indicators.
A Stage I pressure ulcer is an observable pressure related alteration of intact skin whose indicators as compared to the adjacent or opposite area on the body may include changes in one or more of the following:
skin temperature (warmth or coolness), tissue consistency (firm or boggy feel) and/or sensation (pain, itching).
The ulcer appears as a defined area of persistent redness in lightly pigmented skin, whereas in darker skin tones, the ulcer may appear with persistent red, blue, or purple hues.
Stage 2
Partial thickness skin loss involving epidermis, dermis, or both. The ulcer is superficial and presents clinically as an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater.
Stage 3
Full thickness skin loss involving damage to or necrosis of subcutaneous tissue that may extend down to, but not through, underlying fascia. The ulcer presents clinically as a deep crater with or without undermining of adjacent tissue.
Stage 4
Full thickness skin loss with extensive destruction, tissue necrosis, or damage to muscle, bone, or supporting structures (e.g., tendon, joint capsule). Undermining and sinus tracts also may be associated with Stage 4 pressure ulcers.
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 andfaulty 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.
