Pressure ulcers - Analysis of guidelines for treatment and management

Although prevention is the most important step in pressure ulcer care, clin icians should be familiar with the best methods for treating and managing t hese lesions, because proper care and subsequent vigilance can prevent wors ening of the wound. In 1994, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Servic es published clinical practice guidelines to help standardize and improve u lcer care. Six key areas of ulcer management were addressed. The section on ulcer care-which includes discussions of debridement, wound cleansing, dre ssings, and adjunctive therapies-is examined here.