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Dr. Jessica A. Held, DNP, FNP-BC CWOCN-APCFCN, APNP is a nurse in West Bend, WI specializing in family medicine. Dr. Jessica A. Held, DNP, FNP-BC CWOCN-APCFCN, APNP is affiliated with Froedtert Health, Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital and Froedtert West Bend Hospital.
3200 Pleasant Valley Road
West Bend, WI 53095
Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores)
Commonly referred to as bedsores, pressure ulcers or pressure sores are areas of injured skin that result from staying in one position for a long period of time. Being bedridden or confined to a wheelchair puts a person at a high risk of developing such sores. The most commonly affected sites are the buttocks, hips, lower back, shoulder blade and spine areas, and backs of arms and legs. A pressure ulcer typically starts out as tender, reddish skin and may turn into a shallow wound that appears like a blister. At the next stage, it becomes a deep wound with yellowish dead tissue and some exposed fat. The most severe pressure ulcers are large wounds with dark dead tissue and exposed muscle or bone. Early detection and treatment are crucial as ulcers tend to develop rapidly and cause infections that could eventually lead to organ failure.
Mild sores may heal on their own when pressure on the affected area is reduced. This can be accomplished by simply repositioning the body every hour. If the sores are painful or infected, medications such as pain relievers and antibiotics may be prescribed. Cleaning the wound and changing dressings regularly also help the healing process. Severe pressure ulcers, on the other hand, may require surgery, which involves removal of any damaged, infected, or dead tissue and closing the wound. Wound closure can be achieved either by stitching the skin edges together or by using a flap of the patient's own tissue.
If a patient needs to have pressure ulcer surgery, they will likely be on bedrest for a few weeks to allow the wound to heal completely. The patient and their family members will be given instructions on positioning and transfer techniques to help keep pressure off the wound. When the doctor thinks the patient is ready, he or she will give the patient special exercises to help them regain their range of motion. To prevent the recurrence of ulcers, patients or their caregivers should be diligent about changing positions regularly, observing for early signs of new pressure sores, and replacing any worn-out mattresses or cushions.
She is certified by the Board Certification: CWOCN-AP - Advanced Practice Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse and has a state license in Wisconsin.
Board Certification: Board Certification: CWOCN-AP - Advanced Practice Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse
Licensed In: Wisconsin
Dr. Jessica A. Held, DNP, FNP-BC CWOCN-APCFCN, APNP is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Jessica Held's specialty is family medicine. Her clinical interests include chronic wounds, diabetes, and leg problems. Dr. Held is professionally affiliated with Froedtert Health.