Prevention Of Pressure Ulcer.docx

PREVENTION OF PRESSURE ULCER DEFINITION:Any lesion caused by unrelieved pressure that results in damage to underlying tissue Also known as i. Decubitus ulcer Ii Bedsores PATHOLOGY Pressure Blood vessel collapse Necrosis (tissue death) Mechanism External pressure –compress blood vessels lFriction and shearing forces-tear and injure blood vessel

 Friction-two surfaces rub against each other

 Shearing-one layer of tissue slide over another Factors Aging lImmobility-paralysed,unconscious,lengthy surgery,tranquilizers l Nutrition-malnourished,vit-c deficiancy HYDRATION-DEHYDRATION,OEDEMA l MOISTURE-SWEATING lWARMTH-FEVER lPOOR HYGIENE lINCONTINENCE stages  STAGE I -

Nonblanching

Erythema With Skin Intact. lSTAGE II -

Partial Thickness Skin

Loss(epidermis)- Blister / Abrasion STAGE III – Fullthickness Skin Loss

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Necrosis Of Hypodermic Tissue l STAGE IV - Fullthickness Skin Loss - Extensive Damage To Muscle,boneor Supporting Structures

Prevention 1. Identify at risk patients 2. Assess their skin daily 3. Keep skin clean & dry always keep pressure off skin 4. Avoid massage over bony prominences 5. Minimize injury from friction 6. Nutritional interventions 7. Improve mobility 8. Document measures used