What is the difference between a Stage 2 and Stage 3 pressure ulcer?
Stage 2: Partial thickness loss of dermis presenting as a shallow open ulcer with a red pink wound bed, without slough. May also present as an intact or open/ruptured serum- filled blister. Stage 3: Full thickness tissue loss. Subcutaneous fat may be visible but bone, tendon or muscle are not exposed.
What do Stage 3 bed sores look like?
Stage 3. These sores have gone through the second layer of skin into the fat tissue. Symptoms: The sore looks like a crater and may have a bad odor. It may show signs of infection: red edges, pus, odor, heat, and/or drainage.
What does it mean to stage a pressure ulcer?
PRESSURE ULCER STAGING is an assessment system that classifies pressure ulcers based on depth of soft tissue damage. Not a comprehensive assessment system, it’s appropriate only to define the maximum anatomic depth of tissue damage after necrotic tissue has been removed and the ulcer bed is completely visible.
Is a Stage 3 pressure ulcer always a Stage 3?
It should have been staged as a Stage 3 or 4. Unstageable pressure ulcers and Deep Tissue Injury (DTI) pressure ulcers have been considered as additional pressure ulcer stages by the NPUAP since 2007.
What are the 3 causes of pressure ulcers?
Three primary contributing factors for bedsores are:
- Pressure. Constant pressure on any part of your body can lessen the blood flow to tissues.
- Friction. Friction occurs when the skin rubs against clothing or bedding.
- Shear. Shear occurs when two surfaces move in the opposite direction.
What is the best treatment for a Stage 3 pressure ulcer?
Treatment of Stage 3 Bedsores Relieving pressure: Taking pressure off the affected area helps ensure it will not worsen. Debridement: Doctors remove the eschar and slough from the sore. Cleaning: Once the bedsore is free of eschar and slough, water or saltwater will be used to clean it.
How long does it take for a Stage 3 pressure ulcer to develop?
Grade 3 or 4 pressure ulcers can develop quickly. For example, in susceptible people, a full-thickness pressure ulcer can sometimes develop in just 1 or 2 hours. However, in some cases, the damage will only become apparent a few days after the injury has occurred.