Pressure Ulcer

Clinical Pathways for the 5 Wound Types

Choose a wound type to view the associated clinical pathways and guidelines.

Pressure Ulcer Pathway

References


Pieper, B. (2012). Pressure ulcers: impact, etiology, and classification. In R.A. Bryant and D.P. Nix (Eds.), Acute and chronic wounds. Current management concepts. Fourth edition. (pp122-136).St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby


NPUAP-EPUAP International pressure ulcer prevention and treatment guidelines. http://www.npuap.org. Retrieved May 7, 2014.

Pressure Ulcer Guidelines

  • May need chair cushions and/or pressure-reducing mattress
  • Frequent turning and repositioning of immobile patient

  • With tap water or saline for Stages I – III
  • With saline for Stage IV

  • Measure area: L x W x D in centimeters and any undermining or tunneling
  • Describe wound bed: color, slough, necrotic, eschar (soft or dry), clean, epithelialized, granulation
  • Describe surrounding tissue: color, edema, erythema, blanchable/non-blanchable
  • Describe drainage/exudate: serous, serosanguinous, purulent (green, yellow, tan)

  • Infection
  • Nutrition
  • Hygiene/incontinence

  • Infection: CBC w/ diff; CRP
  • Nutrition: comprehensive metabolic panel

  • Assess & treat as required

  • Refer to Essentials of Healing pathway
  • Check for intact pulses
  • Vascular assessment if no pulses

  • Promote moist wound healing and manage exudate/odor
  • For heel wounds: consider heel pressure-relieving device such as off-loading boot or use of pillow for elevation

  • Manage impact of co-morbidities
  • Support patient to improve adherence to care plan
  • Initially, patient should be seen weekly to monitor healing, or referred
  • Provide caregiver/patient education
  • Area of closed Stage III or IV wound remains at risk for future breakdown

  • For evaluation and management of wound
  • And/or if debridement

Additional Resources