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Pressure Ulcer Prevention Protocols and Medical Negligence Claims

Pressure Ulcer Prevention Protocols

Get insights on how pressure ulcer prevention protocols work, when failures amount to negligence, and how Florida patients can pursue a malpractice claim.

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or pressure injuries, are localized injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure or repeated friction. They most commonly affect patients with limited mobility and often develop over bony areas such as the heels, hips, and tailbone.

Most pressure ulcers can be prevented if healthcare providers follow established standards of care. Modern healthcare facilities rely on pressure ulcer protocols to reduce patient risk, and failure to follow these protocols may support a Florida medical malpractice claim in the event of a patient developing pressure ulcers.

In this article, we’ll break down:

What Are Pressure Ulcer Protocols?

Pressure ulcer prevention protocols are standardized clinical guidelines designed to identify patients who are at risk for pressure injuries, implement preventative measures, and monitor skin integrity throughout a patient’s stay. These protocols help healthcare providers protect their patients, and spot the early signs of skin damage so that the issue is treated before pressure ulcers set in.

Pressure ulcer protocols are applied across a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. Regardless of the setting, the underlying goal remains the same: reduce avoidable patient harm through consistent, evidence-based care.

Administrative leadership plays a key role in this process. Facility administrators are responsible for adopting current clinical guidelines, ensuring staff training, and enforcing compliance. We explore this in depth in The Role of Administration in Establishing Patient Care Protocols section of our article on patient care protocols.

Common Pressure Ulcer Prevention Protocols

While protocols may vary slightly by facility, commonly accepted prevention measures used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities include:

  • Risk assessments upon admission and reassessment thereafter. Tools such as the Braden Scale are widely used to evaluate mobility, nutrition, moisture exposure, and sensory perception.
  • Scheduled patient repositioning. At-risk patients are typically repositioned every two hours to relieve pressure and promote circulation.
  • Use of pressure-relieving support surfaces. Specialized mattresses, overlays, and wheelchair cushions help distribute weight and reduce sustained pressure.
  • Routine skin inspections and documentation. Nursing staff are expected to regularly inspect vulnerable areas and accurately document findings.
  • Nutrition and hydration monitoring. Adequate protein intake and hydration are essential for maintaining skin integrity and supporting healing.
  • Individualized care plans for high-risk patients. Patients who are immobile, unconscious, or medically fragile require enhanced monitoring and tailored interventions.

How Pressure Ulcer Protocols Are Typically Broken

In malpractice cases, pressure ulcers often result not from a lack of knowledge, but from breakdowns in execution. Common failures include:

  • Failure to assess a patient’s risk level upon intake, and reassess them throughout their stay
  • Inadequate or inconsistent repositioning schedules
  • Staff shortages or insufficient training resulting in inadequate care
  • Missing, delayed, or inaccurate documentation, often tied to broader communication breakdowns
  • Ignoring early signs of redness, skin discoloration, or tissue changes
  • Delayed treatment once an ulcer begins to form

When these failures occur, minor skin irritation can rapidly progress into deep tissue damage. Advanced ulcers increase the risk of infection, sepsis, prolonged hospitalization, or permanent disability.

What Lawyers Review in a Pressure Ulcer Malpractice Case

Not every pressure ulcer is caused by medical malpractice. Some patients remain at risk despite appropriate care. Mild pressure ulcers, when caught and treated promptly, are unlikely to form the basis of a medical malpractice case. Liability concerns arise, however, when preventable harm results from substandard practices.

Malpractice attorneys often see red flags when advanced pressure ulcers, particularly Stage 3 or Stage 4 injuries, develop during a patient’s stay. These severe ulcers typically indicate prolonged pressure and inadequate intervention.

In legal review, lawyers commonly examine:

  • Whether the facility had written pressure ulcer prevention protocols
  • Whether those protocols aligned with accepted medical standards
  • Whether staff followed protocols in a consistent and timely fashion
  • Medical records, nursing notes, and wound care documentation
  • The timing of ulcer development relative to admission

Additional information about evaluating protocol failures can be found in our guide to Medical Malpractice and Patient Care Protocols in Florida.

Have a Question?

Pursuing a pressure ulcer malpractice lawsuit requires a significant level of evidence and for specific protocols to be followed. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand these protocols. Medical malpractice attorney Alan Sackrin has extensive experience evaluating hospital and nursing facility care failures. To discuss your concerns, simply fill out our contact form, or call (954) 458-8655 to book a confidential consultation.