The mineral zinc is essential for overall health and various aspects of cellular metabolism,

according to the National Institutes of Health. In terms of wound healing, it benefits the body by
helping to maintain the structural integrity of dermal tissue and mucosal membranes. That’s why
many clinicians turn to zinc supplements for people suffering from skin ulcers. Another benefit
is that zinc aids in the division of cells, which is the function responsible for creating new
tissue. Additionally, it plays a big role in immune function. A stronger immune system is important
for fighting off potentially harmful elements and, in effect, avoiding the development of wound
infections.
Excellent sources of zinc
Zinc can be found in a wide variety of foods, but it comes in particularly high concentrations in
red meats, seeds and nuts. Those increasing their intake of red meats should stick to lean varieties,
which include bottom and to round as well as eye of round cuts. Some grades of ground beef are
also low in fat. Other great sources of zinc include:
Shrimp, Cashews, Lentils, Sesame and pumpkin seeds, Lamb, Turkey, Quinoa

Pressure Ulcers
Pressure. Constant pressure on any part of your body can lessen the blood flow to tissues. Blood
flow is essential to delivering oxygen and other nutrients to tissues. Without these essential
nutrients, skin and nearby tissues are damaged and might eventually die. For people with limited
mobility, this kind of pressure tends to happen in areas that aren't well-padded with muscle or fat
and that lie over a bone, such as the spine, tailbone, shoulder blades, hips, heels and elbows.
Friction. Friction occurs when the skin rubs against clothing or bedding. It can make fragile skin
more vulnerable to injury, especially if the skin is also moist.
Shear. Shear occurs when two surfaces move in the opposite direction. For example, when a bed
is elevated at the head, you can slide down in bed. As the tailbone moves down, the skin over the
bone might stay in place — essentially pulling in the opposite direction.

Stage 1. This is the mildest stage. These pressure sores only affect the upper layer of your skin.
Symptoms: Pain, burning, or itching are common symptoms. The spot may also feel different
from the surrounding skin: firmer or softer, warmer or cooler.
Recovery time: A Stage 1 pressure sore may go away in as little as 2 or 3 days.

Stage 2. This happens when the sore digs deeper below the surface of your skin.
Symptoms: Your skin is broken, leaves an open wound, or looks like a pus-filled blister. The area
is swollen, warm, and/or red. The sore may ooze clear fluid or pus. And it’s painful.
Recovery time: A Stage 2 pressure sore should get better in 3 days to 3 weeks.

Stage 3. These sores have gone through the second layer of skin into the fat tissue.
Symptoms: The sore looks like a crater and may have a bad odor. It may show signs of infection:
red edges, pus, odor, heat, and/or drainage. The tissue in or around the sore is black if it has died.
Recovery time: A Stage 3 pressure sore will take at least one month, and up to 4 months, to heal.

Stage 4. These sores are the most serious. Some may even affect your muscles and ligaments.
Symptoms: The sore is deep and big. Skin has turned black and shows signs of infection -- red
edges, pus, odor, heat, and/or drainage. You may be able to see tendons, muscles, and bone.
 Lab Values
CBC
RBC (Male) 4.2 – 5.6 10^6 / µL
RBC (Female) 3.8 – 5.1 10^6 / µL
RBC (Child) 3.5 – 5.0 10^6 / µL
WBC (Male) 3.8 – 11.0 10^3 / mm3
WBC (Female) 3.8 – 11.0 10^3 / mm3
WBC (Child) 5.0 – 10.0 10^3 / mm3
Hct (Male) 39 – 54%
Hct (Female) 34 – 47%
Hct (Child) 30 – 42%
MCV 78 – 98 fL
MCH 27 – 35 pg
MCHC 31 – 37%
Neutrophils 50 – 81%
Bands 1 – 5%
Lymphocytes 14 – 44%
Monocytes 2 – 6%
Eosinophils 1 – 5%
Basophils 0 – 1%
Blood Chem
BUN 6 – 23 mg/dL
Chloride 96 – 112 mEq/L
Creatine (Male) 0.2 – 0.6 mg/dL
Creatine (Female) 0.6 – 1.0 mg/dL
Glucose 65 – 99 mg/dL
Magnesium 1.5 – 2.5 mg/dL
Potassium 3.5 – 5.5 mEq/L
Sodium 135 – 148 mEq/L
Urea Nitrogen 8 – 25 mg/dL
Urinalysis
Specific gravity 1.003 – 1.040
Ph 4.6 – 8.0
Na 10 – 40 meq/l
K less than 8 meq/l
C1 less than 8 meq/l
Protein 1 – 15 mg/dl
Osmolality 80 – 1300 mosm/l
ABG
pH 7.35 – 7.45
PaCO2 35 – 45 mm Hg
HCO3 22 – 26 mEq/L
O2 saturation 96 – 100%
PaO2 85 – 100 mm Hg
Coagulation
Platelets 140,000 – 450,000 /ml
lasminogen 62 – 130%
PT 10 – 14 seconds
PTT 32 – 45 seconds
Fibrinogen 160 – 450 mg/dL
Bleeding time 3 – 7 minutes
Thrombin time 11 – 15 seconds