There may be a loss of bowel and bladder function as the nervous system shuts down. The caregiver - usually a nurse or hospice caretaker - may suggest a catheter to collect urine; you can also place absorbent pads on the bed in case of accidents.
Fibroblasts begin entering the wound site two to five days after wounding as the inflammatory phase is ending, and their numbers peak at one to two weeks post-wounding. By the end of the first week, fibroblasts are the main cells in the wound. Fibroplasia ends two to four weeks after wounding.
Scabs form to create a barrier on the skin that serve a dual purpose when there is a cut or other injury that causes bleeding. The hard, reddish or brown formation keeps bacteria and other contaminants from entering the body from the outside, while inside white blood cells attack any that may have breached the wound prior to the formation of the clot and subsequent scab.