CNE0111 - Prevention, Assessment and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers in Long-Term CarePressure ulcers are areas of localized tissue destruction caused by the compression of soft tissue over a bony prominence and an external surface for a prolonged period of time. They usually occur over bony prominences such as the coccyx, ischial tuberosities, heels and trochanters where there is less tissue to compress Pressure ulcers can often be prevented, but not always. Prevention requires the use of effective protocols. Until such preventative protocols are used more aggressively, pressure ulcers will remain a common problem. The resident groups primarily affected are those with limited mobility: the elderly, the quadriplegic and the critically ill. Recent studies indicate that properly treated pressure ulcers heal faster than previously thought, often showing signs of healing within two to four weeks. | 
Long Term Care Series 
