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WHAT IS A BED SORE?

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A pressure ulcer, also known as a decubitus ulcer or bed sore, is any lesion caused by unrelieved pressure that results in damage to underlying tissue.  There are several other factors other than pressure that may contribute to the development of ulcers, including moisture, friction, shear immobility, sensory loss and certain underlying medical conditions.

 

The national Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) bed sore classification system defines six different stages:

 - Stage I and Deep Tissue Injury (DTI) display intact skin

 - Stage II, III, and IV are graded by the depth of the wound

 - Unstageable pressure wounds are those in which the base of the wound cannot be seen due to being covered by necrotic tissue

 

The most common areas of the body where bed sores develop are those areas subjected to pressure, including bony prominences and those areas covered by orthopedic devices or straps.  Areas of the body which are subject to often unrelieved pressure include the back of the head, the buttocks, the sacrum, the hips, and the heels.

 

A Stage I pressure ulcer does not show skin breakage but appears as an area of non-blanchable erythema.  A Stage I wound may be difficult to identity in darkly pigmented persons when relying only on skin color changes.

 

Stage II pressure ulcers are superficial skin breaks into the dermis layer only or clear blisters.  if there is necrotic tissue or slough or if the blister is blood-filled, it is not Stage II.

 

A Stage III pressure ulcer is a full-thickness skin break into subcutaneous tissue but does not permeate into the muscle or bone.  A Stage II wound can have undermining or slough.

 

A Stage IV pressure ulcer penetrates through skin to deeper tissues with bone showing in the base of the ulcer bed.  Undermining and tunneling and necrotic tissue may be present in Stage IV ulcers.

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Understanding Bed Sores: What They Are and How to Prevent Them

 

Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are lesions caused by unrelieved pressure that damages underlying tissue. These injuries may be caused by factors such as friction, shear, moisture, immobility, sensory loss, and certain medical conditions. The most common areas where bed sores develop are those subjected to pressure, including bony prominences and areas covered by orthopedic devices or straps.

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Bed sores are classified into six different stages by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP), including Stage I, Deep Tissue Injury (DTI), Stage II, III, and IV, as well as Unstageable pressure wounds. The severity of bed sores ranges from non-blanchable erythema in Stage I to full-thickness skin breaks that penetrate deep tissues and bone in Stage IV.

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Nursing home residents are at particular risk for developing bed sores due to factors such as immobility, age, and underlying medical conditions. Neglect, medication errors, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse are some common types of nursing home injuries that may result in bed sores. Nursing homes should provide pressure-relieving interventions, such as regular repositioning, pressure-relieving devices, proper skin care, nutrition and hydration, regular skin assessments, individualized care plans, staff training, pain management, timely medical attention, and adequate staffing, to prevent the occurrence of bed sores.

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Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, can cause significant pain and discomfort and can even lead to severe health complications such as infections. Fortunately, there are several interventions to prevent bed sores, including:

Regular Repositioning: Repositioning the resident frequently can reduce the pressure on specific areas of the skin. Experts suggest shifting the weight every two hours or less if your loved one is bedridden.

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Use of Support Surfaces: Foam cushions, air mattresses, and specialized beds can help distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure and friction that cause bedsores.

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Skin Care: Keeping the skin clean, dry, and free of infection is essential to prevent bedsores. Bathing, moisturizing, and daily skin inspections can help identify potential pressure areas.

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Proper Nutrition and Hydration: Ensuring that your loved one has a balanced diet and adequate hydration can help promote tissue health and prevent bedsores.

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Regular Monitoring: Regular inspection of the skin can help detect bedsores early and facilitate appropriate treatment. It is crucial to work with the nursing home staff to ensure that they take necessary measures to prevent bedsores from occurring and monitor residents accordingly.

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By implementing these interventions, family members and nursing home staff can work together to prevent bedsores and promote the overall health and well-being of nursing home residents.

 

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If you suspect that a nursing home resident has been injured due to neglect or abuse, you should report it to the authorities as soon as possible. By being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to prevent bed sores, nursing home residents and their loved ones can ensure their safety and well-being.

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TYPES OF NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE INJURIES

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Nursing home injuries can take many forms, and they can be caused by a variety of factors. Some common types of nursing home injuries include:

1. Falls: Falls are a leading cause of injury among nursing home residents, and they can result in serious injuries such as fractures, head injuries, and bruises.

2. Slip and fall accidents: These accidents can occur when a nursing home resident slips on a wet or slippery surface, or trips over an obstacle.

3. Medication errors: Nursing home residents may be at risk of injury if they are given the wrong medication, or if they are given the correct medication in the wrong dosage.

4. Neglect: Neglect occurs when a nursing home staff member fails to provide the necessary care and assistance to a resident. This can result in injuries such as bedsores, malnutrition, and dehydration.

5. Physical abuse: Physical abuse refers to the use of force against a nursing home resident, and it can take many forms, including hitting, slapping, pushing, and restraining.

6. Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse is any form of non-consensual sexual contact, and it can be particularly harmful to nursing home residents due to their physical and cognitive limitations.

7. Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse occurs when a nursing home staff member or other resident uses words or actions to cause emotional distress or harm to a resident.

 

It is important for nursing home residents and their loved ones to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to prevent injuries from occurring. If you suspect that a nursing home resident has been injured due to neglect or abuse, you should report it to the authorities as soon as possible.

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Here are some examples of pressure relieving interventions that a nursing home may have failed to implement:

1. Repositioning: Nursing home staff should reposition residents who are at risk of developing pressure ulcers at least every two hours while they are in bed and every hour while they are sitting in a chair. If the resident is unable to move themselves, staff members should assist with repositioning.

2. Pressure-relieving devices: Nursing homes should provide pressure-relieving devices, such as specialized mattresses, cushions, and overlays, to residents at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

3. Skin care: Nursing homes should implement a skin care regimen that includes keeping the skin clean and dry, using moisturizing creams or lotions to prevent dryness, and inspecting the skin daily for signs of redness, irritation, or other damage.

4. Nutrition and hydration: Nursing homes should ensure that residents receive proper nutrition and hydration to promote healthy skin and prevent the development of pressure ulcers.

5. Regular skin assessments: Nursing home staff should regularly assess residents' skin to identify early signs of pressure ulcers and take appropriate measures to prevent their development.

6. Individualized care plans: Nursing homes should develop individualized care plans for each resident that take into account their unique risk factors for pressure ulcer development and outline specific interventions to prevent their occurrence.

7. Staff training: Nursing homes should provide staff with regular training on the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, as well as best practices for the care of residents at risk of developing these injuries.

8. Pain management: Nursing homes should manage the pain associated with pressure ulcers to promote healing and improve residents' quality of life.

9. Timely medical attention: Nursing homes should provide timely medical attention to residents who develop pressure ulcers to prevent the injuries from worsening and reduce the risk of complications.

10. Adequate staffing: Nursing homes should maintain adequate staffing levels to ensure that residents receive appropriate care and attention to prevent the development of pressure ulcers.

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WHAT IS A SUBDURAL HEMATOMA?

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A subdural hematoma is a type of brain injury that occurs when blood collects between the brain and the skull. This can happen if a blood vessel in the brain is damaged, or if there is bleeding into the space between the brain and the skull. Subdural hematomas are often the result of a head injury, such as a fall or a car accident, but they can also occur spontaneously in people who have bleeding disorders or who are taking blood-thinning medications.

 

Symptoms of a subdural hematoma may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, difficulty speaking, difficulty seeing, and changes in behavior. In severe cases, a subdural hematoma can lead to unconsciousness or coma. Subdural hematomas can be life-threatening if they are not treated promptly, so it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you or someone you know may have a subdural hematoma. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the blood that has accumulated between the brain and the skull, or other medications to manage the symptoms.

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WHAT IS A CRANIOTOMY?

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A craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which a part of the skull is temporarily removed to access the brain. Craniotomies are typically performed to treat brain injuries, such as aneurysms, brain tumors, or bleeding in the brain, or to repair skull fractures.

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During a craniotomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the scalp and then removes a section of the skull bone (called a bone flap) to expose the brain. Once the brain is accessible, the surgeon can perform the necessary procedures to treat the condition. After the procedure is completed, the bone flap is replaced and secured with metal plates or screws.

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Craniotomies are major surgical procedures that are usually performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. The recovery process can vary depending on the type of procedure that was performed and the individual's overall health, but it typically involves a stay in the hospital followed by a period of rehabilitation. It is important for patients to follow their doctor's instructions and to take steps to promote healing and prevent complications.

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WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HIP FRACTURES?

 

There are several different types of hip fractures, which are classified based on the location and severity of the fracture. Some common types of hip fractures include:

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• Intertrochanteric fractures: These fractures occur in the upper part of the thighbone (femur), just below the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. Intertrochanteric fractures are often caused by falls or other types of trauma.

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• Femoral neck fractures: These fractures occur in the neck of the thighbone (femur), which connects the ball-and-socket joint of the hip to the rest of the bone. Femoral neck fractures are often caused by falls or other types of trauma, and they can be particularly serious because they can disrupt the blood supply to the bone.

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• Subcapital fractures: These fractures occur in the neck of the thighbone (femur) just above the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. Like femoral neck fractures, subcapital fractures can disrupt the blood supply to the bone and can be serious.

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• Acetabular fractures: These fractures occur in the acetabulum, which is the socket of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. Acetabular fractures are often caused by high-energy trauma, such as car accidents or falls from a great height.

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• Fractures of the greater trochanter: These fractures occur in the bony protuberance on the side of the thighbone (femur) called the greater trochanter. Greater trochanter fractures are often caused by falls or other types of trauma.

 

Hip fractures can range in severity from simple fractures that can be treated with a cast or other immobilization device, to more complex fractures that require surgical repair. It is important for individuals with hip fractures to follow their doctor's instructions and to take steps to promote healing and prevent complications.

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WHAT IS AN INJURY OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN?

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An injury of unknown origin (IOU) is a term used to describe an injury that cannot be clearly identified or explained. IOUs can be caused by a variety of factors, including accidents, assaults, or underlying medical conditions. In some cases, it may be difficult to determine the exact cause of an IOU because the individual is unable to provide a clear explanation of what happened, or because there is a lack of physical evidence or witness accounts.

 

When an individual presents with an IOU, it is important for healthcare providers to conduct a thorough evaluation to try to identify the cause of the injury. This may involve taking a detailed history, performing physical exams and diagnostic tests, and consulting with other specialists as needed. In some cases, the cause of an IOU may never be fully understood, but it is important to try to identify any underlying medical conditions or other factors that may have contributed to the injury in order to provide appropriate treatment and prevent future injuries.

 

If you believe that a loved one may be the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, you should take action quickly and contact us online or call Leitner Varughese Warywoda PLLC at 855 LV FIRM NY or (212) 671-1110 to set up a free consultation with an experienced New York injury lawyer.

 

Contact LEITNER VARUGHESE WARYWODA PLLC

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