pressure ulcer, an inflammation, sore, or ulcer in the skin over a bony prominence, most frequently the sacrum, elbows, heels, outer ankles, inner knees, hips, shoulder blades, and occipital bone of high-risk patients, especially those who are obese, elderly, or suffering from chronic diseases, infections, injuries, or a poor nutritional state. It results from ischemic hypoxia of the tissues caused by prolonged pressure on them. Pressure ulcers are most often seen in aged, debilitated, immobilized, or cachectic patients. The sores are graded by stages of severity. Prevention of pressure ulcers is a cardinal aspect of nursing care. Treatment specific to the location and the extent of the condition is planned. Also called bedsore, decubitus ulcer, pressure necrosis, pressure sore.
