Also called decubitous ulcers or pressure sores, a bed sore can range from an extremely mild, pink skin coloration that goes away after the pressure has been relieved on that body area for a few hours to a deep wound going all the way down (and perhaps even through) a person's internal organs and bones. There are four stages used to classify these ulcers.

Bed sores occur when a patient is allowed to lie still for too long a period of time that prolonged pressure is placed on a certain area of the body. It is usually the bonier areas of the body that are afflicted by bed sores. The decubitous ulcer develops because not enough blood is traveling to the fat, muscles, and skin in that area because of all the pressure being sustained.

While bed sores are common occurrences in nursing homes, this is not to say that they should be accepted or allowed to occur. Nursing staff can easily prevent bed sores by changing the resident's position on the bed on a regular basis and making sure that they are fed properly. Moisturizing a person's body can also be a preventive measure against bed sores.

To find out more information about bed sores and nursing home negligence, call 1-800-7-LEGAL-7 to speak with a medical malpractice attorney. Rosenbaum & Associates also offers Free Case Evaluations online.