High-Risk Pressure Ulcers

Beginning in 2010, new regulatory guidelines took effect regarding reimbursement for nosocomial (or facility acquired) pressure ulcers. The renewed concern for the prevention and management of this condition emerged across the nation. Hospitals and nursing facilities now are at risk for loss of reimbursement when pressure wounds are linked to care within their facility. This chapter begins with a brief review of the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system and normal healing. The next section of the chapter describes pressure wound prevention and assessment. The final section of the chapter outlines best practice management of pressure wounds according to wound characteristics.