Sedentary Patient Develops Pressure Sores During Rehabilitation

This case involves a woman who developed pressure sores following a surgical procedure. The patient was admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility and was not found to have any pressure wounds at the time of admission. The patient was primarily sedentary during her time in the facility, however, the records indicate that the patient was not routinely assessed for pressure wounds. 

After 3 weeks, the patient was discovered to have an advanced stage pressure sore on her tailbone. The patient was transported back to the hospital and was diagnosed with sepsis and an infected pressure sore with foul-smelling drainage. The patient developed an infection in her bone secondary to the pressure sore. She required surgical intervention and debridement to treat the wound. An expert in wound care was sought to review the records and opine on the standard of care for prevention of pressure sores.