Nursing aspects of pressure sore prevention and therapy.

Pressure sores remain a significant problem in hospitals and domestic settings, affecting people of all ages, social class and race. Associated complications may be life threatening, e.g. sepsis and osteomyelitis. Other less dangerous, but nevertheless compromising outcomes such as pain, discomfort and low self-esteem and body image can cause personal suffering, and may add extra demand for limited resources. The exact state of pressure sore occurrence remains difficult to determine, particularly in the community. Recent trends in pressure area management present a multidisciplinary approach, eroding traditional perceptions of pressure sores as a solely nursing problem. Written from nursing perspective, this article summarizes principles of good practice relating to pressure sore prevention and therapy, emphasizing the importance of documenting observed events, rather than assumptions or opinions, and the need for healthcare professionals to approach problems and needs from a collaborative stance. Pressure sore risk assessment and classification are discussed, and an overview of nutrition, moving a handling, selecting support surfaces, principles of wound management, and skin care are considered.