By Holly Hovan, MSN, GERO-BC, APRN, CWOCN-AP
Pressure injuries (PIs) typically are the result of unrelieved pressure, shear, or force. In an inpatient or hospital setting, interventions are put into place to prevent pressure injuries based on evidence and patient risk. However, PIs still develop in some patients despite interventions. Experts agree that most PIs are in fact avoidable; however, some patients may experience unavoidable skin breakdown at end of life (EoL).¹ Kennedy terminal ulcers (KTUs), skin changes at life’s end (SCALE), and Trombley-Brennan terminal tissue injuries (TB-TTIs) are some of the common terms used to describe unavoidable skin changes at EoL.¹