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How does skin turgor affect bedsore development?

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Skin turgor is an indicator of the level of fluid loss to a nursing home resident. To assess skin turgor, the health care provider pinches the skin, normally for a few seconds, so that the skin is folded up and away from the body. Generally, the location is the back of the hand or forearm. The skin of resident with normal skin turgor will quickly go back to its normal position. When the skin fails to ‘snap back,’ the resident may be suffering from dehydration.

Specifically, skin recoil delayed for about 2 seconds is poor skin turgor. Poor skin turgor suggests moderate dehydration. Skin recoil of two or more seconds is a sign of severe dehydration. Finally, when the skin stays elevated for longer than a few seconds, it is known as ‘tenting.’

Dehydration in a nursing home resident may have many causes. The most common are diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and impairments that prevent the resident from taking in fluids.

Dehydration is a key factor in the development or exacerbation of bedsores. Essentially, a bedsore injury is caused by circulation problems. Prolonged pressure prevents blood from circulating. When the area beneath the skin do not receive adequate circulation, the muscle and tissue begin to breakdown.

Dehydration lowers blood volume, pressure, and flow. Obviously, when the blood’s ability to transfer oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and body are inhibited, the symptoms of bedsores can become much worse. This is why skin turgor plays an important role in assessing, avoiding, and treating bedsores.

Other signs of dehydration include cracked or parched lips, decline in mental capacity, dark urine, and general bodily weakness.

If your loved developed bed sores at a nursing home or assisted living facility, and you are wondering if you have a claim, then please, feel free to call and speak to one of our experienced Georgia nursing home neglect lawyers today. Our consultations are always free. If you would like to learn more about this topic or watch additional videos please subscribe to our YouTube channel.

FAQs

• How does skin turgor affect bedsore development?
  • Skin turgor is an indicator of dehydration levels in a nursing home resident. Poor skin turgor, which suggests dehydration, can significantly contribute to the development or exacerbation of bedsores. Dehydration lowers blood volume, pressure, and flow, inhibiting the blood’s ability to transfer oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and body. As a result, the symptoms of bedsores can become much worse due to inadequate circulation, leading to the breakdown of muscle and tissue.
• What are the factors contributing to the formation of bedsores?
  • The formation of bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, is influenced by several factors including prolonged pressure, friction, shearing forces, immobility, poor nutrition, moisture, and decreased skin turgor. These factors can result in the breakdown of skin and tissue, leading to the development of bedsores.
• What conditions may increase a patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcers?
  • Patients with limited mobility, poor circulation, malnutrition, advanced age, incontinence, and decreased sensory perception are at an increased risk of developing pressure ulcers. Additionally, those with medical conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, or spinal cord injuries may be more susceptible to pressure ulcer development.
• What does a decrease in skin turgor mean?
  • A decrease in skin turgor indicates dehydration in a nursing home resident. Skin recoil delayed for about 2 seconds is poor skin turgor, suggesting moderate dehydration. Skin recoil of two or more seconds is a sign of severe dehydration. Finally, when the skin stays elevated for longer than a few seconds, it is known as ‘tenting.’
• What can contribute to the development of pressure sores?
  • Several factors contribute to the development of pressure sores, including prolonged pressure, friction, shearing forces, immobility, poor nutrition, moisture, and decreased skin turgor. These factors can result in the breakdown of skin and tissue, leading to the development of pressure ulcers.

• How much will I have to pay to hire a nursing home abuse lawyer?
  • Hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer typically comes at no upfront cost. Most lawyers in this field work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the settlement, which is agreed upon before they take on your case. Initial consultations are usually free. Call our experienced Georgia nursing home abuse lawyers at +1 678-823-7678 for a free consultation. We are here to help ensure justice and provide the support your family needs during this critical time.