Patient Education: Pressure Ulcer (Bedsore) Wound Care

What is a Pressure Ulcer?

A pressure ulcer, also called a bedsore, is a sore on the skin that happens when there is too much pressure on one area for a long time. This cuts off blood flow, and the skin and tissue break down.

Causes of Pressure Ulcers

Lying in bed or sitting in a chair for too long without moving.
Pressure from medical equipment, such as oxygen tubing or casts.
Poor nutrition or dehydration.
Health conditions that affect blood flow (such as diabetes or poor circulation).

Prevention

Change positions often (at least every 2 hours in bed, every 1 hour in a chair).
Use pillows or cushions to protect skin from pressure.
Keep skin clean and dry.
Eat a healthy diet and drink enough fluids.
Check skin daily for redness or sores.
Use special mattresses, pads, or cushions if ordered by your doctor.

Treatment (Follow Your Doctor’s Orders)

Wash your hands before touching the wound or dressing.
Keep the wound clean and covered as directed.
Change the dressing as often as ordered.
Use special creams, ointments, or dressings your doctor prescribes.
Relieve pressure from the wound by changing positions and using cushions.
Take prescribed medicines as directed.

What is a Compromised Wound Dressing?

A dressing (bandage) is compromised if:

It becomes loose or falls off.
It gets wet, dirty, or soiled.
It no longer fully covers the wound.

What to do if compromised:

Wash your hands.
Replace with a clean, dry dressing if you have supplies.
If you cannot replace it, call your nurse or doctor.

Signs and Symptoms of Complications

Fever or chills.
Red streaks moving away from the sore.
Severe pain that gets worse.
Large amount of drainage or bleeding.

Signs of Infection

Redness, swelling, or warmth around the sore.
Thick yellow, green, or foul-smelling drainage.
Worsening pain at the site.
Skin feels hot to the touch.

Signs the Wound is Getting Worse

The sore is getting larger or deeper.
The wound edges are opening more.
The skin around the wound is breaking down.
You feel weaker, tired, or sick.

Diet for Wound Healing

Eat protein-rich foods (meat, fish, beans, eggs, tofu).
Eat fruits and vegetables for vitamins that repair skin.
Whole grains for energy.
Drink enough water every day.
Important: If you have kidney disease, ask your doctor or home health nurse before changing your diet. Some high-protein foods may not be safe.

When to Contact Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Mild redness, swelling, or drainage.
If your dressing becomes compromised and you need help.
If you run out of wound supplies or medication.
If you have questions about wound care or diet.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Heavy bleeding that will not stop.
Fever and chills with spreading redness.
Severe pain not controlled by medicine.
Large amount of pus or foul-smelling drainage.
If you feel faint, weak, or very sick.

Additional Information

Do not smoke. Smoking slows healing.
Keep skin dry and protected from urine, stool, or sweat.
Ask your nurse about special cushions or mattresses.

Patient Homework/Assessment – True or False

True or False: A pressure ulcer is also called a bedsore.
True or False: Pressure ulcers happen when skin has too much pressure for too long.
True or False: Changing positions every 2 hours in bed helps prevent sores.
True or False: Pillows and cushions can help protect the skin.
True or False: A compromised dressing is one that is clean and dry.
True or False: If a dressing is wet or dirty, it must be replaced.
True or False: Fever and chills may mean a complication.
True or False: Red streaks moving away from a sore can be serious.
True or False: Thick yellow or green drainage may mean infection.
True or False: If the sore is getting bigger or deeper, this means it is improving.
True or False: You should wash your hands before touching your wound.
True or False: Protein-rich foods help wounds heal faster.
True or False: If you have kidney disease, you should change your diet without asking your nurse or doctor.
True or False: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables help with healing.
True or False: A wound that smells bad may be infected.
True or False: You should call your nurse if you run out of supplies.
True or False: Heavy bleeding that does not stop is an emergency.
True or False: Severe pain that medicine does not help should be ignored.
True or False: Smoking can slow wound healing.
True or False: You should always follow your doctor’s or nurse’s instructions for wound care.

Answer Key with Explanations

True – Pressure ulcers are also called bedsores.
True – They form when skin has too much pressure for too long.
True – Turning and repositioning prevents pressure buildup.
True – Pillows and cushions reduce pressure on skin.
False – A compromised dressing is wet, dirty, or loose.
True – Wet/dirty dressings must be replaced.
True – Fever and chills may mean infection or complication.
True – Red streaks are a warning sign of infection spreading.
True – Thick drainage usually signals infection.
False – A wound getting bigger/deeper means it is worse.
True – Handwashing prevents germs from spreading.
True – Protein builds tissue and helps wounds heal.
False – If you have kidney disease, check with nurse/doctor before diet changes.
True – Fruits, veggies, and grains give energy and vitamins for healing.
True – A foul odor is a sign of infection.
True – You must have supplies to care for your wound safely.
True – Non-stop bleeding is an emergency.
False – Severe pain that is not relieved must be reported.
True – Smoking slows blood flow and healing.
True – Always follow medical instructions for best healing.