title: Pressure ulcer incidence and severity in a community hospital.
abstract: In a study of 1320 adult patients admitted to a community hospital, there was a pressure ulcer incidence rate of 8.4%, with 3.2% of pressure ulcers present on admission. Of the 190 ulcers found, 63% (n = 120) were hospital acquired and were less severe than those present on admission. There was an average of 1.6 ulcers per patient; 56.3% (n = 107) were Stage I ulcers and 36.3% (n = 69) were Stage II ulcers. The most frequent sites were coccyx-sacral area, heels, and elbows. Preventive measures used most frequently were turning, special mattresses, and special skin care. After a pressure ulcer developed, the most frequently used treatment measures were special bed or mattress, frequent turning, and special ointments and dressings.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Gosnell
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Johannsen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ayres
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009820:Ohio / Q000453:epidemiology; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000473:pathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index