HELP...non-healing pressure wound...

RN1989 · May 18, 2008

Need more info to even have a clue how to help you.

oldiebutgoodie, RN · May 18, 2008

Hi everyone...this is my first time on this site so please be gentle!!! I have a patient who has a Stage 2-3 (depending on the day) that we can't get healed...we have tried all our "protocol" products and nothing is working. We can't keep her off of it, won't stay in bed long enough to relieve any pressure...Any and all suggestions would be great!!!!

How old is the patient?

May I assume the ulcer(s) are on her buttocks?

If my assumptions are correct, you have to find a chair cushion that will work for the patient. If pt is in a wheelchair, there are (very expensive but effective) cushions made by Roho, can be $400.

If pt is ambulatory, you can get a much less expensive cushion, such as one by EHOB (see link) to help offload pressure on the butt. This one is very effective but much cheaper.

http://www.ehob.com/

Of course, I am just guessing the nature of the ulcer. Furthermore, a wound will not heal if the patient's protein stores are not sufficient.

And the patient still has to get off his/her butt during the day, such as 1 hour in chair, 2 in bed, and so on.

Let us know what the nature of the wounds are, and what you have tried, and we can probably help you more.

Good luck,

Oldiebutgoodie

Codypatody, BSN, RN · May 19, 2008

What does the wound bed look like? If there is devitalized tissue that will impair healing. Has the wound been cultured? I agree with the previous post regarding offloading. If the patient isn't compliant then it will be a struggle to heal.

What treatments have you tried? Have you considered the wound VAC? If it is a stage III, it would be indicated for the type of wound.