PRESSURE ULCER Meaning and
Definition
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A pressure ulcer, also commonly referred to as a pressure sore, bedsore, or decubitus ulcer, is a localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue that typically occurs over a bony prominence due to prolonged pressure or pressure in combination with shear and/or friction. It is most likely to form when there is unrelieved pressure on the skin, primarily for individuals who are bedridden, wheelchair users, or those who have limited mobility and cannot regularly shift their body positions.
The development of a pressure ulcer is a multifactorial process involving the compression of blood vessels, which impairs blood flow and nutrient delivery to the affected area. As a result, the affected tissue becomes damaged and dies, leading to the formation of an open wound.
Pressure ulcers typically go through various stages based on their severity, ranging from skin discoloration, blister formation, breakdown of skin layers, and the involvement of underlying muscle, bone, and other tissues. They are often categorized based on international staging systems (e.g., the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel) that classify pressure ulcers into different stages to help healthcare professionals accurately assess and manage these wounds.
Prevention and management of pressure ulcers involve regular repositioning and shifting of body weight, providing adequate support surfaces (such as specialized mattresses or cushions), practicing good hygiene, ensuring proper nutrition, and providing appropriate wound care interventions to promote healing and prevent infection.
Common Misspellings for PRESSURE ULCER
- oressure ulcer
- lressure ulcer
- -ressure ulcer
- 0ressure ulcer
- peessure ulcer
- pdessure ulcer
- pfessure ulcer
- ptessure ulcer
- p5essure ulcer
- p4essure ulcer
- prwssure ulcer
- prsssure ulcer
- prdssure ulcer
- prrssure ulcer
- pr4ssure ulcer
- pr3ssure ulcer
- preasure ulcer
- prezsure ulcer
- prexsure ulcer
- predsure ulcer
Etymology of PRESSURE ULCER
The word "pressure ulcer" is a combination of two separate words: "pressure" and "ulcer".
1. Pressure: The term "pressure" comes from the Old French word "pression" and the Latin word "pressura", both of which mean "act of pressing". This word ultimately derives from the Latin verb "premere", meaning "to press". In the medical context, pressure refers to the force exerted on a particular area, often caused by prolonged immobility or external compression.
2. Ulcer: The term "ulcer" comes from the Latin word "ulcus", which means "sore" or "wound". It can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*wel-" meaning "to tear". An ulcer is a localized erosion or open sore on the skin or mucous membranes, often accompanied by inflammation.
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