Elderly Patient Develops Bedsores After Hip Surgery

This case involves a male patient who developed bedsores following surgery for a broken hip, where he underwent a hip resurfacing arthroplasty procedure. He had bedsores in the shape of bed pan within 10 days of the surgery. The bed sores took months to heal and the patient required a great deal of additional care, and has since encountered infection and a variety of complications resulting from the sores. The medical facility is located in the state of Nevada. Plaintiff retained an expert in hospital care and decubitus ulcer care.

Questions to the Nursing expert and their responses

Do you have experience in bedsore prevention?

I have experience in bedsore prevention. For any immobile patient, there should be a process to prevent bedsores. This includes setting measurements to help prevent pressure ulcers, such as assessing the complete body and evaluating skin areas at risk - turning the patient often, preventing wrinkles in sheets, linen, etc. and keeping the patient warm.

Have you ever served as an expert witness on a case similar to the one described?

I have worked on similar cases in the past. My background includes caring for immobilized patients in ICUs and PACUs following surgery, including hip surgery.

About the expert

This expert has over 30 years of experience as a nurse. She has worked in various areas including neuromedicine, surgical, and cardiothoracic intensive care units and post-anesthesia care unit. She currently serves as Assistant Professor at a nursing school with a focus on introduction and Perioperative Nursing courses. In addition, she is a Parish Nurse and part of the Adjunct Faculty for a parish nurse resource center.

E-007610

Specialties:

Nursing