COVID-19 has Amplified the Need to Establish Unavoidable Pressure Injury Criteria in Acute Care

by Laura Swoboda DNP, APNP, FNP-C, FNP-BC, CWOCN-AP
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increased confusion regarding the diagnostic clarity of some skin lesions, especially in the critical care population. These lesions can be challenging to differentiate from other dermatological conditions seen in this population, including skin failure and deep tissue pressure injuries. During severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulability1 occur, and COVID-19 patients are at increased risk for ischemic lesions that mimic the appearance of deep tissue pressure injuries. In addition, similarities in underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of these skin conditions can cause diagnostic overlap … read more


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