Question
A chronic immobilised patient presented with the following condition.It is an example of:
A. Tropical ulcer
B. Trophic ulcer
C. Venous ulcer
D. Post thrombotic ulcer
Show Answer
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Correct Answer ยป B Explanation |
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Ans:B. Trophic ulcer.
“Trophic ulcers are neurogenic ulcers which are caused by various factors such as impairment of nutrition of the tissues, inadequate blood supply and neurological deficit.
Bed sore is included in the group of “trophic ulcers”.
BED SORE/ PRESSURE SORE
- These can be defined as tissue necrosis with ulceration due to prolonged pressure. Less preferable terms are bed sores, pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers.
- If external pressure exceeds the capillary occlusive pressure (over 30 mmHg), blood flow to the skin ceases leading to tissue anoxia,necrosis and ulceration .
- Prevention is obviously the best treatment with good skin care, special pressure dispersion cushions or foams, the use of low air loss and air-fluidised beds and urinary or faecal diversion in selected cases. The bed-bound patient should be turned at least every 2 hours.
Pressure sore frequency in descending order
- Ischium
- Greater trochanter
- Sacrum
- Heel
- Malleolus (lateral then medial)
- Occiput
Staging of pressure sores
- Stage 1 Non-blanchable erythema without a breach in the epidermis
- Stage 2 Partial-thickness skin loss involving the epidermis and dermis
- Stage 3 Full-thickness skin loss extending into the subcutaneous tissue but not through underlying fascia
- Stage 4 Full-thickness skin loss through fascia with extensive tissue destruction, maybe involving muscle, bone, tendon or joint
