Pressure Ulcer Staging and What Each Stage Needs
Stage I (non-blanchable redness, skin intact): Repositioning protocol, pressure-relieving mattress, moisturiser. Stage II (partial thickness skin loss, shallow open ulcer): Daily saline cleaning, foam or hydrocolloid dressing, strict repositioning. Stage III (full thickness tissue loss, visible fat): Daily or twice-daily dressing, debridement of slough, antimicrobial dressings, nutritional support advice. Stage IV (full thickness tissue and muscle/bone loss): Requires surgical consultation — wound debridement, possible flap surgery — home nursing provides interim wound care between surgical visits. All stages benefit from consistent, skilled home nursing visits to prevent deterioration.
Prevention: The Most Important Bedsore Intervention
Once every 2 hours, a bedridden patient must be repositioned — this is the single most effective bedsore prevention measure. immidit nurses educate caregivers on the correct repositioning schedule (30-degree tilt, foam wedges, heel suspension), skin inspection for early warning signs, and nutrition optimisation (adequate protein for wound healing). The nurse visit is also an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the current pressure-relief strategy and recommend adjustments.
What immidit Nurses Bring for Bedsore Dressing
A standard bedsore dressing visit kit includes: sterile saline for wound irrigation, foam or hydrocolloid dressings (Mepilex, DuoDerm), silver-impregnated dressings for infected wounds, collagen powder for Stage III/IV wounds, and barrier cream for peri-wound skin protection. Advanced dressings (honey-based, alginate, PICO vacuum) must be prescribed by a wound care specialist and are stocked on request. The nurse photographs the wound at every visit to document progress for the treating team.