Diagnosis

Your doctor will likely look closely at your skin to decide if you have a pressure ulcer and, if so, to assign a stage to the wound. Staging helps determine what treatment is best for you. You might need blood tests to assess your general health.

Questions from the doctor

Your doctor might ask questions such as:

• When did the pressure sore first appear?
• What is the degree of pain?
• Have you had pressure ulcer in the past?
• How were they managed, and what was the outcome of treatment?
• What kind of care assistance is available to you?
• What is your routine for changing positions?
• What medical conditions have you been diagnosed with, and what is your current treatment?
• What is your normal daily diet and fluid intake?