Patient is Killed by Infected Pressure Wounds

This case takes place in Tennessee and involves an obese female patient who underwent extensive surgery on her bowels. She was discharged to a nursing facility post operatively in order to recover. Some time after being admitted, a small lesion was noted on the patient’s back. An order was made for the patient to be rotated regularly in order to prevent further damage, however the notes indicate that this was not done.

Eventually the patient was also placed in restrains, which prevented her from moving on her own. Some time late, several lesions were noted on the patient’s back. Wound care was consulted and made notes to follow up with the patient. The wounds were only evaluated sporadically from that point forward. Eventually, the patient’s lesions became serious enough to require surgical treatment. Nevertheless, the patient ultimately succumbed to infections caused by the pressure wounds.