How to Prevent Pressure Ulcers Pressure ulcers are common in the healthcare field. Anyone who has limited to no mobility from cognitive or physical impairment or individuals in wheelchairs are at risk. A pressure ulcer is a localized injury to the skin or the underlying tissue. (The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals. Accessed Nov. 12, 2013). It usually occurs over a bony prominence occurring from the unrelieved pressure that limits blood flow to nearby skin and tissue. Examples of bony prominences are the spine, tailbone, hips, shoulder blades, elbows, heels. (The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals. Accessed Nov.12, 2013). Pressure ulcers affect many individuals daily and can be life threatening if not properly cared for.
Pressure ulcers are broken down into 4 stages …show more content…
Friction the resistance to motion, for example, it happens when the skin is dragged across a surface like changing positions.
C. Shear occurs when two surfaces move in the opposite direction. (The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals. Accessed Nov. 12, 2013).
However, there are other risk factors that can play a role when dealing with pressure ulcers.
1. Poor nutritional intake and dehydration not getting enough fluids or consuming the right amount of calories, minerals or vitamins needed in the daily diet, can lead to unhealthy skin and tissue breakdown.
2. Individuals with poor health issues that affects the blood flow such as, vascular disease and diabetes just to name a few.
3. Incontinence or lack of bowel or bladder control leaves the skin moist therefore increases friction.
4. Age also is a factor the older we get, the more fragile and thinner our skin becomes, causing loss of elasticity.
5. Cognitive or neurological issues that can cause loss of sensation, therefore having an inability to feel pain or discomfort.
6. Recovery after surgery.
7. Sedation/Coma.
8. Weight loss results in loss of fat and muscle, leaving less cushion between bones and a bed or
Pressure ulcers are broken down into 4 stages …show more content…
Friction the resistance to motion, for example, it happens when the skin is dragged across a surface like changing positions.
C. Shear occurs when two surfaces move in the opposite direction. (The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals. Accessed Nov. 12, 2013).
However, there are other risk factors that can play a role when dealing with pressure ulcers.
1. Poor nutritional intake and dehydration not getting enough fluids or consuming the right amount of calories, minerals or vitamins needed in the daily diet, can lead to unhealthy skin and tissue breakdown.
2. Individuals with poor health issues that affects the blood flow such as, vascular disease and diabetes just to name a few.
3. Incontinence or lack of bowel or bladder control leaves the skin moist therefore increases friction.
4. Age also is a factor the older we get, the more fragile and thinner our skin becomes, causing loss of elasticity.
5. Cognitive or neurological issues that can cause loss of sensation, therefore having an inability to feel pain or discomfort.
6. Recovery after surgery.
7. Sedation/Coma.
8. Weight loss results in loss of fat and muscle, leaving less cushion between bones and a bed or