Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chronic ulcer of the skin and underlying tissue, caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, typically occurring in a person who is bedridden or otherwise immobile for a long period.

Usage

• The term "bedsore" is a medical term used to describe a specific type of injury. It is most commonly used in healthcare settings (hospitals, nursing homes) and in discussions about patient care, especially for the elderly or those with limited mobility.
• It is a countable noun (e.g., a bedsore, several bedsores).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The nurse checked the patient regularly to prevent the development of a bedsore.
  • Proper repositioning of bedridden patients is essential to avoid bedsores.
  • The most severe bedsores can extend into muscle and bone.

Advanced Usage

• "to develop a bedsore": to begin to have a bedsore.
  • Patients who cannot move themselves are at high risk of developing a bedsore.
• "bedsore prevention": measures taken to stop bedsores from forming.
  • Bedsore prevention includes using special mattresses and frequent turning.
• "stage [number] bedsore": a classification (Stage I, II, III, IV) indicating the severity of the ulcer.
  • The physician documented a Stage III bedsore on the patient's heel.

Variants and Related Words

• Pressure sore (n): A synonym for bedsore; an ulcer caused by unrelieved pressure.
  • Pressure sores are also known as decubitus ulcers.
• Decubitus ulcer (n): The formal medical term for a bedsore.
  • The doctor's notes referred to the wound as a decubitus ulcer.
• Pressure ulcer (n): Another common synonym in medical contexts.
  • The hospital has a protocol for managing pressure ulcers.

Synonyms

• Pressure sore: An ulcer caused by pressure.
• Decubitus ulcer: The technical medical term.
• Pressure ulcer: A commonly used clinical term.

Related Phrases

• At risk for bedsores: Describing a person likely to develop them.
  • Elderly patients with diabetes are at high risk for bedsores.
• Bedsore care: The treatment and management of existing bedsores.
  • Specialized bedsore care requires keeping the wound clean and pressure-free.

Noun

1. a chronic ulcer of the skin caused by prolonged pressure on it (as in bedridden patients)