Stage 3 Bedsores

Stage 3 Bedsores in a Hospital or Nursing Home Indicate Negligence

Stage 3 bedsores, also known as stage 3 pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, occur when victims lie motionless, without being turned for long periods of time, resulting in skin lesions and sores. Typically, nursing home residents are prone to bedsores when caregivers and staff members neglect to help them move around. Eventually, the pressure of lying in the same spot for too long affects the skin and muscle tissues, ultimately leading to bedsores.

When oxygen is not able to reach the skin or lower layers of tissue, the result is a sore due to damage. This can be avoided if a person is moved from time-to-time. Bedsores are particularly common in the elderly as they are more susceptible to circulation issues, and they may not be able to move or turn on their own.

Bedsores are categorized in stages, ranging from stage 1 through 4, with the the fourth stage being the most severe case. Stage 3 bedsores, although not quite as severe as the final stage, still pose dangerous risks for the victims.

Stage 3 Bedsore Staging

When a victim reaches stage 3 bedsores, treatment becomes much more difficult as the sores become more pronounced and need constant bandaging and care.

According to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, stage 3 bedsores are determined by the following:

• The skin has broken but has not yet reached muscles or bones
• The skin breakage involves damage to the subcutaneous tissue
• Possible chance of skin hanging over the wound
• A tunnel has formed around the bedsore which leads into other tissues

Treatment of Stage 3 Bedsores

As previously mentioned, stage 3 bedsores are often difficult to treat. If the bedsores have gotten too severe, some victims may need to undergo surgery in order to successfully treat the wounds. Other forms of treatment include:

• Regular cleansing with water and saline
• Frequent care with debriding cleansers
• Removing the tissues around the wound
• Daily topical applications

Preventing Stage III Bedsores

Many nursing home residents are at the mercy of staff members when it comes to care and attention. Unfortunately, far too many nursing home staff members fail to provide the kind of quality care needed, yet simple precautions go a long way in preventing bedsores.

For example, simply moving the resident’s bed position several times per day (if they are immobile) will greatly decrease the chances of bedsores. In addition, allowing immobile residents to be moved around in wheelchairs and other devices used to aid mobility will reduce the risk of bedsores, along with proper hydration and nutrition. All too often, however, understaffed nursing homes results in resident neglect, leading to wounds and illnesses that could have otherwise been prevented.

Federal and state laws mandate that nursing home residents must not suffer from bedsores, and if bedsores were present upon admittance, the wounds must be treated and cannot worsen. However, even with strict laws in place, over 25% of the nation’s nursing home residents still suffer from bedsores.

Hiring a Nursing Home Bedsore Attorney

If you or a loved one has been victim to nursing home abuse and experienced the devastating effects of bedsores, an experienced nursing home abuse attorney may be able to assist you. At MedMalFirm.com, our leading team of nursing home abuse lawyers have helped numerous victims win their cases and receive financial compensation for their sufferings. Give us a call today at 877-887-4850 or fill out our online inquiry form and we will be happy to provide you with a free consultation.