Bedsores, pressure ulcers or pressure injuries are the wounds that are caused by consistent pressure on skin. There is no exception to age or illness rather anyone can fall for this if he is immobile for longer time. This is why, the patients on prolonged ventilation show a strong tendency to pressure ulcers. These wounds or bedsores are generally painful and can grow if left unnoticed causing infections and bleeding in many cases. These sores are generally healed by ointments and proper care, however, can also prove to be a life-threatening in extreme conditions.
In this article let’s explore a bit more about bedsores in ventilated patients; underlying causes, stages and possible precautions or ways to avoid bedsores.
- Also Checkout: Dental Care of Ventilated Patients
Underlying Causes and Precautions
Pressure sores generally occur when blood supply is reduced or completely cut off due to certain and prolonged pressure on skin. This reduced blood flow causes skin cells of outer layer to die showing wounds possibly within two hours. More probably pressure coupled with moisture or stretching and pulling of skin is considered as the culprit for this inconvenience.
- Given that, it is strictly advised to perform following actions on ventilated patients to avoid the risk of pressure ulcers.
- Frequently change the position of patient more probably on hourly basis
- Properly examine body with hands especially prone areas like back, buttocks, hips, tailbone, ankles and especially intubated areas
- Keep patient clean, dry and hydrated
- Use specially designed medicated mattresses and cushions
How to Spot and Treat Bedsores Of Ventilated Patients
Bedsores can be identified if caregivers properly check the prone areas on routine basis. A dermatologist or a wound specialist can go for further deep analysis of wound using biopsy, X-ray, MRI and blood culture tests to check the severity and stage of the issue as it can determine further course of action.
Stage 1
Red or pink colored skin with no open wounds. Caregiver can feel by touch as affected area becomes tender or feels different in terms of temperature or sensitivity.
Stage 2
At this stage a shallow wound can be seen with naked eyes along with pink or red color of skin. Caregivers can notice abrasions, skin loss or blisters in affected areas.
Stage 3
The wound gets deeper and ruptures the top layer of the skin. It takes months to the patient to recover from infection at this stage.
Stage 4
The wound deepens down all the layers of skin showing tendons, muscles and even bones. This is a fatal stage leading to extreme pain and other severe conditions like bone infection and life-threatening blood infection, Sepsis.
In early stages caregiver can be an aid but in extreme stages a wound specialist needs to get in. Measuring the severity, the specialist can opt for either non-surgical measures or surgical procedures to treat the ventilated patients.
Non-Procedural Measures To Treat Bedsores of Ventilated Patients
- Clean wound with soap and saline water
- Keep affected areas dry
- Cover wounds with special medicated bandages
- Use of antibiotics to cure infection
Surgical Procedures To Cure Deep Bedsores of Ventilator Patients
For deep bed ulcers healthcare provider can opt of surgeries to avoid unfavorable outcomes. There are number of surgical procedures that wound specialist can adopt depending on the condition of the patient and severity of the matter.
1- Debridement
The removal of dead tissues or bones while using ointment, scalpel or chemical agents like enzymes to stop further infection and fast healing.
2- Grafting
Cover the wound while using skin patch from other parts of body. It is the best possible option in case of small wounds as it can help in skin regeneration while blocking the way of external threats.
3- Flap Surgery
Flap surgery is same as grafting with the exception that skin patch is taken from surrounding area without detaching it to its original place and blood supply. It is best in cases of massive tissue loss. It is considered more reliable and durable than grafting as well as it stops the problem to reoccur.
Final Thoughts About Bed Sores Treatment of Ventilated Patients
Patients with long prolonged mechanical ventilation are sensitive to pressure ulcers due to laying longer in one position. If they are not treated well their skin areas suffering from continuous pressure can damage and cause fatal infections. In early stages it is feasible for caregivers to handle the situation and even tolerable for the ventilated patients. However, in extreme conditions the patient may suffer a lot due to pain as well as surgical procedures performed to heal the wounds.
Do You Need 24/7 Best Care For Your Ventilate Dependent Patients?
BetterOptions provides best medical care services in the town for ventilator dependent patients in Vancouver, WA, USA. Call Us Now (+01) (360) 607-8028) OR Send An Email for any queries.
