Kennedy Terminal Ulcer – A specific bedsore that is defined by a rapid onset and quick tissue breakdown; they occur because of poor blood circulation due to unrelieved pressure. These are different than other types of bedsores due to the rapid onset – wounds progress within hours; they grow downward instead of horizontal; usually on the sacrum; almost always in elderly; they are usually an irregular shape; death occurs quickly (2- 48 hours of onset).
Mattress – Since many bed-bound patients are particularly susceptible to develop bed sores, a proper mattress of utmost importance. Varying types of mattresses can be used depending on the patients needs and physical strength. In most situations, a physician must prescribe a specialized mattress.
Mechanical Load – Force distribution acting on a supportive surface. It is important to evaluate the mechanical load when analyzing a patients susceptibility to develop bed sores.
Medical Malpractice – A cause of action brought by an injured person or family of a deceased person against a doctor or hospital due to their alleged negligence. In order to recover from the facility or doctor, the plaintiff must prove: 1) a duty of care was owed by the physician or hospital; 2) the physician or hospital agents, violated the applicable standard of care; 3) the person suffered an injury or death; and 4) the injury was caused by the acts of the physician or hospital and proximately caused by the substandard conduct.
Medical Negligence – A physician or hospitals failure to use reasonable care in the treatment of a patient. In order to recover damages from a hospital or doctor, the injured patient must establish that the physician or entity deviated from the standard of care in the medical community.
Multi-Zoned Surface – A surface, such as a mattress that has different segments that have different pressure distribution characteristics to help reduce the development of bed sores in areas where they are most likely to develop.
Necrotizing Fasciitis – Flesh eating disease in which the soft tissue is infected by bacteria; rare but very sever and can destroy deep skin tissue, muscles and skin.
Negligence – A failure to use reasonable care.
Never Event – Series of 28 outcomes in a healthcare setting; these 28 outcomes were taken by the National Quality Forum and are defined as “adverse events that are serious, largely preventable, and of concern to both the public and health care providers for the purpose of public accountability.”
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