National pressure ulcer prevalence survey.

In the 1993 survey, the prevalence of pressure ulcers was 11.1% in 177 hospitals. This is higher than the 9.2 prevalence rate Meehan found in 1989. The sacrum, with 38% (n = 2,168) of all reported ulcers, remains the most common site for pressure ulcer occurrence. Non-reactive hyperemia sites, Stage I, were responsible for most reported ulcers, at 46.95% (n = 2,839), while Stage II ulcers comprised 32.66% (n = 1,975). Patients between the ages of 70 and 89 years of age had 54% of the ulcers found. The average number of ulcers per patient was 1.73. Dark-skinned, African-American patients again were found to have the majority of Stage IV ulcers. There were 1,024 ulcers reported in this stage group, and of these, they had 16% (n = 164). Of patients with ulcers, 22% were on some form of air or foam overlay support system; however, standard mattresses and mattress replacements were used for 31% of all patients with pressure ulcers.