What are Bedsore Stages?
Bedsores develop when prolonged pressure restricts blood flow to the skin, leading to tissue damage. These open wounds can deepen if not promptly diagnosed and treated, potentially causing severe life-changing injuries.
Upon learning from a nursing home or healthcare facility that your loved one developed bedsores, they should record the stage as 1, 2, 3, or 4. As you can see in the following illustration, even a stage 1 bedsore can degrade into a dangerous health problem if not addressed immediately and thoroughly.
When preventable injuries, like bedsores, start in a health facility and worsen under its supervision, it is typically a sign that someone was negligent.
Health providers violate the trust and their legal duty owed to patients when any stage of bedsore develops on their watch.
Our attorneys can investigate potential negligence and failure to take appropriate preventative measures. Whether improper training, supervision, or hiring caused someone you love to suffer from bedsores, call our office for more information today.
What is a Stage 1 Bedsore?
Stage 1 bedsores are the initial signs of skin damage caused by prolonged pressure on a specific body area. They typically appear as a flat, reddened patch on the skin’s surface. Imagine a red spot that may feel warm, soft, or dry.
Treatment for Stage 1 pressure ulcers includes cleaning the area, applying a dressing, and repositioning the patient to relieve pressure from the affected area. Other treatment options include topical medications or creams, special cushions, or pressure-relieving mattresses.
What is a Stage 2 Bedsore?
Stage 2 pressure ulcers present as an open wound with a shallow crater and may include red or discolored skin areas. Treatment for stage 2 pressure ulcers may include cleaning and applying a dressing. Again, removing pressure from the affected area is critical to prevent further agitation of this area.
Sometimes the wound may need to be debrided or surgically excised to promote healing. Debridement is the process of removing dead tissue to promote healing. Additional nutritional support and wound care protocols encourage healing.
What is a Stage 3 Bedsore?
Stage 3 pressure ulcers can present with extreme pain, redness and swelling, drainage from the wound, and a foul odor. The prognosis for stage 3 pressure ulcers can often be good. However, the healing process can take several weeks or months. If not identified and treated immediately, serious complications, such as infection, sepsis, or even death, can occur.
If you have questions regarding an incident involving a Stage 3 Bedsore, call Jack Novak, Esq. Malpractice by healthcare providers, such as failures to assess, diagnose, or treat, causes delays and makes a difference in whether a condition is permanently life-altering.
Other factors that can affect the prognosis for stage 3 pressure ulcers include the individual’s overall health and immune system function, as well as the extent and location of the ulcer. For example, bedsores located over bony prominences, such as the sacrum or heels, tend to be more persistent over time.
What is a Stage 4 Bedsore?
Stage 4 pressure ulcers are severe and life-threatening wounds that go beyond the surface and damage deeper tissues, such as muscles and bones. They may show symptoms similar to stage 3 ulcers but with additional signs like blackened or necrotic tissue, deep cavities, or exposed bone or muscle. Treatment for stage 4 ulcers is more extensive and may involve surgeries like skin grafts or flaps.
The prognosis is generally poor, with healing taking months or even years and a high risk of complications. Factors affecting the prognosis include malpractice, overall health, and the extent of the ulcer. Prevention is crucial through early identification, proper positioning, nutrition, and wound care.
If you suspect negligence or failure to prevent bedsores, call us. We understand how to take action and seek justice for your loved one who has suffered from preventable bedsores. Our experienced attorneys are ready to provide a free consultation and discuss legal recourse.