Pressure sores in the elderly. A systematic approach to management.
Pressure sores are a serious but often avoidable problem. The best management plan focuses on early identification of high-risk patients, appropriate allocation of resources, and adequate techniques of pressure relief. A standardized treatment plan that is familiar to care givers should be followed. The clinician must correct all conditions that retard the healing process, including nutritional deficits and underlying medical problems. Multiple-drug therapy must be eliminated, and only established skin care protocols should be followed. Use of systemic antibiotics is reserved for complications, such as osteomyelitis, cellulitis, and sepsis.
Melcher
R E
RE
Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine, Augusta 30912-5470.
Longe
R L
RL
Gelbart
A O
AO
D000368:Aged; D001513:Beds; D003646:Debridement; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D014945:Wound Healing; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology
D004202:Disinfectants