College Answer

Assessment-

Severity of ulcer-superficial/deep The ulcer presents clinically as an
abrasion, blister, or shallow crater.

Signs of infection (systemic and local), contributing devices (eg splints, etc) Serial photographs          ·

Management-

Continue preventative strategies-

a) pressure relief through posture and regular (two hourly) turns and pressure relief devices (range of devices but can include foam/gel pads, special mattresses
b) Aim to mobilize (reduce/minimize any sedation) adequate analgesia for painful ulcers. Alert as high risk within ICU and determine tailored team approach.
c) Also treat/manage diarrhea and urinary incontinence.                  ·
d) Avoid·friction
e) Review unit protocols

Specific treatment

1) Dressings-occlusive or semipermeable dressing that will maintain a moi&t wound environment for superficial ulcers.
2) Infection-identify and treat accordingly
3) Surgery-ranging from minor removing infected granulation and necrotic tissue to major debridement
4) Adequate nutrition

Discussion

This question resembles a part of Question 2 from the first paper of 2003.

In the interest of revision, the answer is reproduced below. Additionally, LITFl have a nice section on pressure areas.

A structured approach would resemble the following:

Risk factors for pressure ulcers in ICU

A good article from 2000 has an exhaustingly long table (Table 1).

Highlights from this article include the following:

• Prolonged immobility
• Use of neuromuscular junction blockers
• Age over 60
• Severe illness (APACHE II score over 13)
• Hemodynamic instability preventing pressure area care
• Diabetes
• Incontinence
• Low albumin
• Poor nutrition
• Oedema
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Steroid use

Prevention of pressure ulcers in ICU

• Risk assessment and monitoring
• Mobility (may be unreasonable in this context)
• Minimise sedation and restraints to allow for self-repositioning (may not be relevan in this context)
• Management of incontinence
• 2 hourly repositioning
• Air mattress or specialised foam (evidence is not strong)
• Adequate skin care

Management of pressure ulcers in the ICU

• Engagement of a multidisciplinary wound care team
• Debridement
• Antibacterial (silver sulfadiazine) dressings
• Frequent dressing changes
• Exudate-absorbing dressings
• Promote wound healing:
  • Adequate nutritional supplementation, particularly of protein (2g/kg/day)
  • Control of diabetes
  • Avoidance of corticosteroids
  • Optimisation of tissue perfusion
  • Avoidance of oedema