A CARE APPROACH AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PRESSURE-RELATED SKIN INJURY

Abstract

Background: Pressure-related skin injury is a common complication in patients who are bedridden and have limited mobility, particularly among elderly and debilitated patients. Without appropriate and timely intervention, pressure ulcers may progress to severe stages and lead to serious complications.

Case presentation: A 79-year-old male patient was admitted with sequelae of cerebral infarction, right tibial artery thrombosis, prolonged mechanical ventilation for more than one year, quadriplegic spasticity, and near-complete immobility for more than 2.5 years. Pressure-related skin injuries developed at two sites: the head region and the right lower leg, corresponding to stage III and stage IV, respectively. The patient received coordinated interdisciplinary care, including local wound care, personal hygiene care, pressure offloading, nutritional optimization, and management of underlying diseases. Following the interventions, both lesions showed remarked improvement, with reduced size, development of granulation tissue, decreased exudate, and no recorded infectious complications.

Conclusions: Early assessment, timely intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration play an important role in promoting wound healing and improving the quality of care for patients with pressure-related skin injuries.

Keywords: pressure-related skin injury; nursing care; serious complications