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Techniques for Bed Sore Detection |
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Check when visiting loved ones at the nursing home
If your loved one is always in a bed covered by a bedsheet, you should always check to see if there are any bedsores.
Check the whole body, but pay special attention to bony areas
By inspecting skin regularly, you can spot a problem at the very beginning. Checking the skin is the way to spot the warning signals of a problem.
How Often?
At least twice daily. Morning and evening when dressing or undressing are recommended. Check more frequently if there is increased sitting or lying times. Checking whenever changing positions is recommended.
Watch For?
Any areas previously broken and healed over - scar tissue breaks easily.
What to Look For?
Redness, blisters, opening in skin, rashes, etc. Feel for heat in red areas with the back of your fingers.
Equipment Needed?
Long-handled mirrors.
Which Parts To Check? Check the front, back, and sides of your body.
Remember:
Bony areas of the body are the most likely to get sores, so be sure and look at them. When checking you skin, don't forget your groin areas for rashes or sores from tight clothing. Men who wear an external catheter should check the penis carefully for sores or irritations.
Diagnosis
In most cases, a doctor or nurse can make the diagnosis simply by examining the patient's skin. Special diagnostic tests are usually unnecessary unless there are symptoms of infection.
If a patient with bedsores does develop symptoms of infection, then a doctor may order diagnostic tests to determine whether the infection has invaded the soft tissues, bones, bloodstream or some other site. These tests may include a complete blood count, a culture of the infected bedsore, blood cultures to rule out sepsis, and bone X-rays to look for evidence of osteomyelitis.
If you are caring for a family member who is confined to a bed or wheelchair, your doctor or home-care nurse will guide you in identifying the earliest signs of bedsores. He or she will show you which areas of skin are particularly vulnerable and will explain what to look for. Once you have learned to recognize the earliest signs of skin damage, you can take steps to prevent areas of redness from progressing to full-blown ulcers.
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