Identify pathophysiology changes related to the age range and topic/disease.
Pressure ulcer (PU) is a debilitating, inflammation, sore or an ulcerative wound most
commonly formed over the boney prominence (Mosby, 2009, P. 1510). Wounds and pressure
ulcers are becoming a significant problem in all healthcare settings. Pressure ulcers in elderly are
caused by frailty, immobility, malnutrition co-morbidities and dementia (Mosby, 2009, P. 1510).
Pressure ulcers can cause major burden to geriatric patients, including negative psychological,
physical, social and financial consequences that can affect health and health-related quality of
life.
Stages of Pressure Ulcers
Pressure Ulcers develop in 4 stages
Stage 1: the upper layer of the skin and the symptoms include pain, burning or itching in the skin.
Stage 2: In this stage, ulcers spread a little deeper and the symptoms include discolored skin with open sore.
Stage 3: By this stage, the ulcer reaches the fat tissues with crater-like appearance and bad odor. There may be yellow (slough) or black (eschar) tissue present.
Stage 4: This is the most serious stage, where the patient’s muscles and ligaments could also be affected. The symptoms of this stage include deep, open sores and at times visible tendons, muscles or bones.
Identify how the changes might be affected using naturopathic medicine (research article).
The natural antiseptic properties of honey soothe the mild bed sores in the skin. It can provide relief from pain, reduce itching and promote healing . Honey can also reduce the risk of infection.
According to a study published in Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing in 2005, healing in subjects who had used honey dressing was almost 4 times the rate of healing when compared to another anti-microbial dressing.
According to a study “ Managing Pressures Ulcers in a Resource Constrained Situation: A Holistic Approach” Turmeric accelerates the healing process of bed sores. It also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant properties that help the patient’s body deal with the symptoms and fight infection.
Reference
Dam, A., Mohanty, U., Datta, N., & Bandhopadhyay, C. (2011). Managing pressures ulcers in a resource constrained situation: A holistic approach. Indian Journal of Palliative Care, 17(3), 255. doi:10.4103/0973-1075.92354
Güneş, Ü Y., & Eşer, I. (2007). Effectiveness of a Honey Dressing for Healing Pressure Ulcers. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 34(2), 184-190. doi:10.1097/01.won.0000264833.11108.35
Mosby's dictionary of medicine, nursing & health professions (8th ed.). (2009). St. Louis, MO: Mosby. Page- 1510