Categories: Attorney, Latest News, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Share this article:The first question we ask when a potential case involves bedsores is “what stage is the bedsore?”
Bedsore staging is the process of classifying pressure ulcers based on their severity. Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues when a person remains in one position for too long without shifting their weight. They are most common in people who are bedridden, have limited mobility, or are in a wheelchair for an extended period. Bedsores are most likely to form on the lower back by the tailbone (sacrum), hips, and heels.
Bedsore staging is essential to ensure proper treatment and prevent further damage. Healthcare professionals use a four-stage scale to classify pressure ulcers. Below is a brief overview of each stage.
To determine the stage of a bedsore, healthcare professionals check several factors. They measure the depth of the wound, amount of dead tissue, and presence of infection. Treatment for bedsore will vary depending on the stage. Regularly rotating bed-bound patients, providing air mattresses, and tending to wounds in the early stages is key. Once the wound is stage 3, more aggressive treatment like antibiotics and surgery may be needed.
Bedsores are preventable. If you or a loved one has suffered from bedsores due to the care of a nursing home, hospital, or long-term care facility, we are here to help. Our experienced attorneys have success holding Texas medical facilities accountable for allowing stage 3 and 4 bedsores to develop. Call us today for a free consultation!