Pressure Ulcers in the Long-Term Care Setting

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Source: American Medical Directors Association (AMDA). Pressure ulcers in the long-term care setting. Columbia (MD): American Medical Directors Association (AMDA); 2008. 44 p. Pressure Ulcers in the Long-Term Care Setting Recognition Examine the patient's skin thoroughly to identify existing pressure ulcers. Does the patient have risk factors for pressure ulcers? Assess periodically for risk factors. Document any history of pressure ulcers in the medical record and implement a pressure ulcer prevention plan based on the risk factors. Assessment Assess the patient's overall physical and psychosocial health and characterize the pressure ulcer. Identify factors that can affect ulcer treatment and healing. Identify priorities in managing the ulcer and the patient. Treatment Establish a realistic, individualized interdisciplinary care plan. Provide general support for the patient. (Hydration, Nutrition, Pain management, Psychosocial support) Manage pressure. Manage infection. Debride necrotic tissue from the ulcer. Cover and protect the ulcer and surrounding skin. Manage comorbid conditions. Monitoring Monitor the progress of the patient and of the ulcer. Recognize and manage ulcer complications. Decide whether to change approaches to managing the ulcer. Monitor the facility's management of pressure ulcers. All copyrights are reserved by the American Medical Directors Association.