Inadequate Nutrition & The Development Of Bed Sores In Nursing Home Patients
Sad but true, many nursing home patients are suffering from malnutrition. While we often associate malnutrition amongst the homeless or people living in a third-world country, some studies suggest that between 35% and 85% of nursing home patients are malnourished. As attorney David Terry points out in his blog post, "How Does Poor Nutrition Affect the Development of Bed Sores in Nursing Homes?" the rampant malnutrition can be associated with an increased risk of developing bed sores. Poor nutrition results in a deterioration of body functioning. Over extended period of time, patients without adequate nutrition tend to have organs that...
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Dehydration & The Development Of Bed Sores In Nursing Home And Hospital Patients
In the first part of my collaborative series with attorney David Terry, I will address the relation of dehydration with the development of bed sores (or pressure sores, pressure ulcer or decubitus ulcers-- whatever you prefer to call them). Simply put: dehydration occurs when a person does not receive enough liquids though eating, drinking or through mechanical intervention such as intravenous fluids or a feeding tube to maintain their optimal physical functioning. When the body is deprived to fluid intake, imbalances in the bodies chemistry occur and there is a reduction of blood volume. Alterations in blood chemistry and reduction...
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Proper Wound Documentation
Development of a pressure sore can be devastating for both the individual and his or her family. Frequently, there are questions as to how to properly treat the wound. Before an adequate treatment plan can be developed, it is important to conduct a thorough assessment of the wounds. Below is an assessment compiled by Donna Sardina, RN, MHA, WCC President, Wound Care Education Institute that appeared recently on the McKnight's website: What should be included in wound documentation to support appropriate caregiving measures? Assessment and documentation should be carried out at least weekly. The exception is when there is evidence...
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