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Infected Pressure Ulcers in the Long-Term–Care Facility

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Philip W. Smith*
Affiliation:
Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
Joyce M. Black
Affiliation:
Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska The College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
Steven B. Black
Affiliation:
Nebraska Health System, Omaha, Nebraska
*
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985400 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5400

Abstract

Pressure ulcers occur with some frequency in the elderly, debilitated population in long-term–care facilities. Pressure ulcers cause morbidity and mortality and, by virtue of breaking the integumentary barrier, predispose to skin and soft-tissue infections. The latter often are deep and require lengthy medical and surgical therapy. Prevention depends on avoidance of pressure, as well as providing adequate nutrition and meticulous skin care.

Type
Topics in Long-Term Care
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1999

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