Final answer:
The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel prefers to call skin breakdown 'pressure ulcers.' These ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, leading to tissue death, particularly in immobilized patients. They require immediate care to prevent serious infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) prefers to refer to skin breakdown as pressure ulcers. These are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores, also known as decubitus ulcers, occur due to constant, unrelieved pressure, especially on bony areas, leading to reduced blood flow and tissue necrosis. They are most often seen in elderly patients who are immobilized and therefore unable to reposition themselves. In clinical settings, efforts are made to prevent bedsores by regularly turning patients to alleviate pressure.
If pressure ulcers are not treated appropriately, which includes debridement to remove necrotized tissue, they can lead to fatal infections. This underscores the importance of proactive care and early intervention to manage and prevent these injuries.